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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer salad combining smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or a light main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups shredded romaine or green leaf lettuce
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup buttermilk (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
  4. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and shred 3 cups of romaine lettuce. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the top and gently mix until evenly coated.
  6. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra zing if desired.
  7. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve immediately.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and keep al dente texture. Cook bacon low and slow for best crispiness. Prepare dressing last to keep it fresh and green. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Start with two-thirds of the dressing and add more if needed to avoid overdressing. Bacon can be swapped with turkey bacon or vegetarian alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut milk yogurt and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/