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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch and Crispy Bacon

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A satisfying and creamy pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a smooth avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and roughly chop 2 cups romaine lettuce. Shred 1/2 cup cheddar cheese if using.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and chives. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with more buttermilk or milk if needed.
  5. Add lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheddar to the bowl with pasta. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss gently again before plating.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad initially; add more dressing if desired. Use thick-cut bacon cooked slowly for best crispiness. Fresh herbs enhance dressing flavor. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for best taste. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and plant-based milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-avocado-ranch-and-crispy-bacon-easy-guide/