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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A refreshing and satisfying summer pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that adds a velvety texture and tangy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped chives or dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly (about 5 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or dill. Blend until smooth and creamy (about 30 seconds). Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chopped bacon, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 large chopped head of romaine lettuce, and 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (if using). Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent clumping and keep salad fresh. Refrigerate salad after mixing to prevent avocado dressing from browning. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. For gluten-free option, substitute pasta with brown rice pasta. For dairy-free dressing, use dairy-free milk with lemon juice and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

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

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