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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad combining classic BLT flavors with a creamy avocado ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt for thicker texture)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light mayo optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8 to 10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried dill. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup diced red onion (if using), and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over salad.
  5. Gently toss everything together until dressing coats all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Chill salad in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best. Use ripe but firm avocados for dressing. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Keep dressing separate if making ahead to prevent lettuce wilting. Save bacon grease to sauté onions for extra flavor. Adjust salt depending on bacon saltiness.

Nutrition

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

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