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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy and refreshing pasta salad combining classic BLT flavors with a smooth avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. While pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Halve 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes and chop 3 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  6. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use al dente pasta to prevent mushiness. Cool pasta completely before mixing to keep bacon crispy and lettuce fresh. Make dressing fresh and store separately if prepping ahead. Add lettuce just before serving to avoid sogginess. Bacon can be baked for easier cleanup and consistent crispiness.

Nutrition

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

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