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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy with Crispy Bacon and Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy and crunchy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy avocado ranch dressing, perfect for summer parties and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, mashed
  • ½ cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 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 to drain fully.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado until smooth. Add ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons buttermilk, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash more buttermilk or milk until desired consistency.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and chop 2 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Make sure everything is dry to avoid watery salad.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Give it a quick toss before plating. Serve cold or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best crunch. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Keep salad ingredients dry to avoid watery salad. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. If dressing thickens in fridge, stir in a splash of buttermilk before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, avocado ranch dressing, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, crowd-pleaser salad

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-with-crispy-bacon-and-avocado-ranch-dressing/