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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Easy Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A fresh and creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and a luscious avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for quick dinners, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini or your favorite bite-sized pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 pint (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt, preferably full-fat
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly (about 5 minutes).
  3. While pasta is cooking, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped chives, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. For a smoky note, add 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  5. Halve 1 pint (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes and chop 2 cups romaine lettuce. Make sure lettuce is dry.
  6. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the top.
  7. Using a spatula or large spoon, toss everything gently until pasta and veggies are evenly coated with dressing. Avoid overmixing to keep the lettuce crisp.
  8. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Cook bacon until just crispy but not burnt. Use ripe avocados for a creamy dressing. Prepare dressing just before combining to prevent browning. Dry lettuce thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toss salad gently to preserve texture. If dressing thickens in fridge, stir in a splash of buttermilk or water before serving. Salad holds well up to 24 hours refrigerated but is best fresh.

Nutrition

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

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