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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A bright and crunchy summer pasta salad featuring crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a silky creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for quick meals, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or rigatoni pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 ripe Hass avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional garnish: extra chopped chives or crispy bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. Set aside.
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, 1 tablespoon chopped dill (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and chop 4 cups of romaine lettuce. Make sure the lettuce is dry to avoid sogginess.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, and romaine. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly without crushing the tomatoes or bruising the lettuce.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If chilled, toss once more before serving and garnish with extra chives or bacon bits.

Notes

For crispier bacon, bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess. If dressing thickens after chilling, whisk in a splash of buttermilk or water to loosen. Season lightly at first and adjust after tossing.

Nutrition

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

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