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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A fresh and satisfying pasta salad combining crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender pasta tossed in a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for quick meals, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 6–8 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful of parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water. Set aside to drain completely (about 10 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay 6-8 strips of bacon in a single layer. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Wash and chop 2 cups of romaine or iceberg lettuce, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion (optional). Place in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 large ripe avocado, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk to loosen. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Add the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion to the large bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated, taking care not to bruise the lettuce.
  6. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best texture, rinse pasta after cooking and let drain completely to avoid sogginess. Cook bacon until crispy for satisfying crunch. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead to maintain freshness. Use ripe avocados for creamy dressing. Adjust seasoning at the end as bacon adds saltiness.

Nutrition

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

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