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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado and Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a tangy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. Perfect for casual gatherings or a satisfying meal from simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
  • For the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 6 strips of thick-cut bacon. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup buttermilk, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Halve 1 pint cherry tomatoes, dice 1 large ripe avocado, and thinly slice 3 green onions. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy bacon pieces, cherry tomatoes, green onions, avocado, and fresh herbs. Pour the buttermilk ranch dressing over the top.
  6. Carefully toss everything together until the dressing coats the pasta and veggies evenly. Be gentle with the avocado to avoid mushing it too much. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta in cold water after cooking to stop cooking and cool it. Use medium heat to cook bacon evenly and avoid burning. Use ripe but firm avocados and toss gently to avoid mushing. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk plus lemon juice and use vegan mayo. Add avocado last to prevent browning or toss with lemon juice. Salad can be made ahead but add avocado just before serving.

Nutrition

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

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