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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch and Crispy Bacon

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A creamy, crunchy, and tangy pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, tender pasta, and a luscious avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or spiral pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or romaine
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (use dairy-free if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it drain well in the colander for about 5 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, turning occasionally (about 8 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon chopped chives. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of buttermilk to loosen it up.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup shredded lettuce, and 1/2 cup diced red onion (if using). Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Fold in the chopped crispy bacon, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired. Give the salad one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Save bacon fat for roasting veggies. Add most bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. If dressing browns, stir before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and milk alternatives.

Nutrition

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

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