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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A quick and satisfying creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for casual get-togethers or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or elbow pasta, cooked al dente
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt for thicker dressing)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini or elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces. Keep some bacon fat in the pan to sauté onions if using.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. If too thick, add an extra splash of buttermilk.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, finely dice ½ cup red onion (if using), and roughly chop 1 ½ cups lettuce. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Set all aside.
  5. In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, bacon pieces, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, and shredded cheddar. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and taste for seasoning—add salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente holds better. Use ripe but firm avocado for smooth dressing. Cook bacon crisp but not burnt. Chill ingredients before mixing for best flavor. Add lettuce just before serving to avoid sogginess. Dressing can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored refrigerated. For vegan or gluten-free versions, use appropriate substitutes.

Nutrition

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

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