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Creamy BLT Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe with Extra Bacon

creamy BLT ranch pasta salad - featured image
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A creamy, crunchy, and smoky pasta salad perfect for summer cookouts and potlucks, featuring extra crispy bacon and homemade ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Ranch Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in the colander.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay 10 slices of thick-cut bacon in the pan without overlapping. Cook until crispy, about 4-6 minutes per side, flipping carefully. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. When cool, crumble or chop into bite-size pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup buttermilk until smooth. Add 1 tsp each of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, plus 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional), and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Using a silicone spatula or large spoon, fold everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated without making it soggy.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry and pasta soak up the dressing.
  7. Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss and add an extra sprinkle of crispy bacon or fresh herbs for garnish if desired.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after chilling. Homemade ranch dressing tastes fresher than store-bought. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep lettuce separate if prepping ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, ranch dressing, summer salad, picnic recipe, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/creamy-blt-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-with-extra-bacon-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/