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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy and flavorful BLT pasta salad featuring crispy thick-cut bacon, fresh veggies, and a smooth avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or romaine, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk of choice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 10 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If dressing is too thick, add a splash more buttermilk.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup chopped lettuce, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use ripe avocado for smooth dressing. Cook bacon on medium heat to avoid burning. Toss salad gently to keep tomato halves intact. Dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For gluten-free, swap pasta with gluten-free varieties. Turkey bacon can be used as a healthier bacon substitute.

Nutrition

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

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