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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Easy Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A fresh and flavorful BLT pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, crisp veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, finely sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, chop 1 ½ cups of romaine lettuce, and finely slice ½ cup of red onion if using. Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon chives, and 1 teaspoon dried dill. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more buttermilk or water if dressing is too thick.
  5. Add chopped bacon and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to the pasta and veggies. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss gently again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispiness without burning. Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking. Keep avocado dressing fresh by adding lemon juice and storing with the pit or covered tightly. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking pasta or bruising avocado. Salad tastes best chilled but can be served immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, avocado ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-avocado-ranch-dressing/