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Easy Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing for Perfect Summer Meals

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A quick and satisfying BLT pasta salad tossed with a creamy avocado ranch dressing, perfect for light and refreshing summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt/dairy-free milk)
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini or fusilli and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly—do not rinse.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and chop roughly once cooled.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped dill and parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Chop 2 cups Romaine lettuce, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with the chopped bacon, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the dressing meld with the pasta and veggies. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

Use ripe avocados for best dressing texture. Do not rinse pasta after cooking to help dressing cling better. Cook bacon slowly for even crispness. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, swap bacon and dairy ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

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

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