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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

creamy BLT pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta tossed in a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as substitute)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (light mayo optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain fully.
  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 halfway. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, thinly slice 3 green onions, and chop 2 cups romaine lettuce.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, crispy bacon, tomatoes, green onions, and romaine. Pour avocado ranch dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated. Add a splash of buttermilk or water if dressing is too thick.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and salad chill before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep texture. Cook bacon until very crispy and drain well to avoid sogginess. Blend avocado dressing until smooth; use ripe avocado for best results. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. For best freshness, add lettuce just before serving if preparing ahead.

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://rowanrecipes.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-with-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/