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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad combining classic BLT flavors with a creamy avocado ranch dressing, perfect for summer and served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or regular milk
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl to cool.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy (6–8 minutes), turning occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and chop 3 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Keep ready in separate bowls.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 small minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, and 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  5. Add chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce to the cooled pasta. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over everything and gently toss to combine, ensuring every pasta piece is coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently before serving. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar or feta cheese on top.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt. Use ripe avocado for creamy dressing. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Season dressing carefully as bacon and cheese add saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Nutrition

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

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