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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and a silky avocado ranch dressing that balances indulgence with freshness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon chives. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add more buttermilk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, shred 2 cups romaine lettuce, and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion (if using). Combine in a large salad bowl.
  5. Add cooled pasta and chopped bacon to the bowl with veggies. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and sogginess. Cook bacon until crispy for best texture contrast. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use vegan mayo. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Keep dressing separate if storing longer than a day to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-and-best/