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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy BLT pasta salad featuring a fresh avocado ranch dressing, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, perfect for picnics or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or chopped romaine
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely dice 1/2 cup red onion, and shred 1 cup iceberg lettuce or romaine. Ensure veggies are dry.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Dry ingredients well to prevent sogginess. Crisp bacon is essential for texture. Use ripe but firm avocado for best dressing consistency. Adjust dressing thickness with buttermilk or avocado. Chill salad at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Can substitute gluten-free pasta and dairy-free milk for dietary needs.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-avocado-ranch-dressing/