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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy and refreshing BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a silky avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta (penne works too)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, chives, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. Add more buttermilk if too thick.
  4. Halve the tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, finely chop fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, and romaine. Pour avocado ranch dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  6. Sprinkle optional shredded cheese and red pepper flakes on top. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Avoid overdressing the salad to prevent sogginess; pasta should glisten, not swim in dressing. Add bacon last to keep it crispy. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Toss pasta with a little olive oil if prepping ahead. Dressing should be blended ultra-smooth for best coating. Salad holds well chilled for several hours and leftovers keep up to 2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-and-best/