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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Perfect for Summer

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A creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and a tangy homemade ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short, curly pasta that holds dressing well)
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk plus a splash of lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 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. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, shred 3 cups iceberg lettuce finely, and shred ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (if using). Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and gently fold to coat everything evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, to let flavors meld and the pasta absorb the dressing. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best to avoid mushiness after chilling. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sticking. Add extra buttermilk or mayo if salad seems dry after chilling. For dairy-free ranch, substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk and use vegan mayo. Vegetarian version can omit bacon and add roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika-roasted nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, homemade ranch dressing, summer salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-ranch-dressing-perfect-for-summer/