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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing Made Easy

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A quick and easy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that adds richness without heaviness. Perfect for potlucks, easy dinners, and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 pint (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp chopped dill
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy but not burnt (about 6-8 minutes), flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt, ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk, ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a splash more buttermilk.
  4. Halve 1 pint (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes and chop 3 cups romaine lettuce. Pat dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Give one last gentle toss before plating.

Notes

Do not toss bacon in until just before serving to keep it crispy. Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Use ripe but not overripe avocado for best dressing flavor. Fresh herbs brighten the dressing; dried herbs can be used at half quantity added at the end. For dairy-free dressing, substitute Greek yogurt and buttermilk with coconut yogurt and dairy-free milk alternative.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-avocado-ranch-dressing-made-easy/