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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that balances smoky and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup finely diced red onion or scallions

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-size pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky. Add 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and parsley. Whisk together until creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a little more buttermilk to reach desired consistency.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, chop 4 cups romaine lettuce, and if using, finely dice 1/2 cup red onion or scallions.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and optional onions. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to soak in.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent clumping. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for even crispiness. Use ripe avocado for best creamy texture. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising tomatoes and lettuce. Salad tastes better after resting 30 minutes in fridge. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-and-delicious/