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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

creamy BLT pasta salad - featured image
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A refreshing and creamy pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a smooth avocado ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, crisp and washed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more buttermilk or milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in fresh chives or parsley if using.
  4. Chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, and dice red onion if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir before serving and garnish with extra herbs or bacon if desired.

Notes

For best texture, cook bacon slowly over medium heat until crispy. Rinse pasta under cold water and drain thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. Adjust dressing thickness with buttermilk or milk. Toss gently to avoid bruising avocado or crushing veggies. Make ahead by keeping dressing separate and adding just before serving. Salad keeps well refrigerated up to 2 days but lettuce may wilt and dressing may darken.

Nutrition

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

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