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Easy Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

Easy Creamy BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad combining smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing for a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, place 6 slices thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook until crispy, about 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup shredded lettuce, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 sliced green onions. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it a quick toss before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta in cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Cook bacon in a cold pan for even crispiness. Blend dressing until ultra-smooth for best texture. Assemble salad close to serving time or refrigerate promptly to keep lettuce crisp. Save a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor if desired. Start with most of the dressing and add more after chilling to avoid soggy salad.

Nutrition

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

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