Print

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

creamy BLT pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful pasta salad combining smoky bacon, fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for casual gatherings or last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta or your favorite short pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water or more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  4. Chop 2 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Optional: add diced red onion or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crispy bacon, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese if using. Pour avocado ranch dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  6. Chill salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Toss again before plating.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispiness. Use a blender for smooth dressing or mash avocado and whisk by hand if no blender is available. Add lettuce last or just before serving to avoid sogginess. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Start with 3/4 of the dressing and add more if needed to avoid soggy salad.

Nutrition

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

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