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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A fresh and satisfying BLT pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that adds a silky texture and subtle tang.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or penne pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 3 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • ¼ cup buttermilk or milk (or almond/oat milk with lemon juice for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or dill

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon until crisp, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Rinse and halve 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes. Chop 3 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Add both to the bowl with pasta.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the creamy avocado ranch dressing over the pasta, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to bruise the lettuce.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld and the dressing thicken slightly. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente as it softens when chilled. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly. Cook bacon over medium heat for crispiness without bitterness. Make avocado ranch dressing fresh to keep vibrant color; add lemon juice to slow browning. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising lettuce. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep lettuce crisp.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://avabake.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-avocado-ranch-dressing/