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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A fresh and filling pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, garden tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer, quick to prepare, and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or your favorite bite-sized pasta (fusilli works great too)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk or milk (80 ml)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 large ripe avocado, ⅓ cup buttermilk, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 small minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon chives. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a splash more buttermilk.
  4. In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, and 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce.
  5. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and salad chill. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Start cooking bacon in a cold pan and cook slowly for even crispiness without burning. Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess. Use ripe avocado for creamy dressing. Chill salad before serving for best flavor. Add lettuce just before serving if preparing ahead to keep it crisp. Bacon can be cooked in the oven on a wire rack for less mess and even cooking.

Nutrition

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

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