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Creamy Avocado BLT Pasta Salad

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A creamy yet light pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, ripe avocado dressing, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh veggies, perfect as a refreshing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy (about 7-9 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 2 ripe avocados, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional), 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or more olive oil to thin.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce.
  5. Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado too much.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley if using.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Notes

Use ripe Haas avocados for the smoothest dressing. For dairy-free, omit mayonnaise or use a plant-based alternative. Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor; rehydrate dry ones if needed. Baking bacon on a sheet pan yields consistent crispiness and easier cleanup. Chill salad at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Stir gently to avoid mashing avocado and preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: avocado pasta salad, BLT pasta salad, creamy avocado dressing, summer side dish, bacon pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes pasta salad

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-avocado-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-side-dish/