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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Easy Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A fresh and creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a silky avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for quick meals, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or other short pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 4 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice substitute)
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 4 cups romaine lettuce and halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup (120 grams) Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (60 ml) buttermilk, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash more buttermilk or water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Add the chopped bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix or the lettuce will wilt.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use firm ripe avocados for best dressing texture. Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent clumping. Cook bacon over medium heat for perfect crispness. Toss salad gently to avoid wilting lettuce. Chill salad about 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid sogginess. Substitute gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for gluten-free or low-carb versions. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

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

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