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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

creamy BLT pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crisp bacon, tender pasta, and a velvety avocado ranch dressing that is perfect for summer BBQs and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or bowtie pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes, chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce, and slice 3 green onions thinly. Add all to the pasta bowl.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of water or more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  5. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the pasta and veggies. Add the chopped bacon last and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and mushiness. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dressing. Cook bacon evenly to avoid burnt edges. Blend dressing thoroughly for creamy texture. Add salt and pepper gradually as bacon and avocado add saltiness. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

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

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