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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy summer pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that adds a fresh twist to a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk plus a squeeze of lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and prevent clumping. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor, combine 1 large ripe avocado, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 teaspoon fresh chives, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped bacon. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Optionally garnish with additional fresh herbs or crispy fried onions.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Use ripe avocado for smooth dressing. Save bacon fat for other uses. Be gentle when tossing salad to avoid bruising lettuce. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. Optional add-ins include crispy fried onions or smoked paprika on bacon.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://grubella.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-with-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-recipe-for-summer-meals/