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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 summer pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that is light, fresh, and perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup buttermilk or dairy-free milk
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  5. To the chilled pasta, add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup shredded lettuce, ½ cup chopped red onion (if using), ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and the chopped bacon. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the top.
  6. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes or avocado.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the salad chill properly.
  8. Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Notes

Chill the pasta after cooking to prevent overcooking and help the dressing cling better. Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt for best texture. Use ripe but firm avocados for a smooth dressing. Prepare bacon and dressing ahead and toss just before serving to keep salad fresh. Substitutions available for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets.

Nutrition

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

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