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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy, tangy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a smooth avocado ranch dressing that is quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta (about 225 grams)
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 ripe Hass avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Wash and dry 2 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine). Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Chop 2 green onions thinly. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, scoop out 1 ripe Hass avocado and mash with a fork until smooth. Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Whisk or blend until creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and green onions. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad.
  6. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

If the dressing feels too thick, stir in a splash more buttermilk or milk to loosen it up. Letting the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully but avoid waiting too long to prevent soggy lettuce. You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store in the fridge. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes to accommodate dietary needs. For extra crunch, add toasted pecans or walnuts. Avoid freezing the salad as fresh veggies and creamy dressing do not freeze well.

Nutrition

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

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