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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and satisfying pasta salad combining smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, tender pasta, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing for a fresh twist on classic BLT flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini or bowtie pasta (whole wheat optional)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini or bowtie 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 the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Wash and chop 2 cups of romaine or iceberg lettuce, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly slice 2 green onions, and shred 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese if using. Add all these to the pasta bowl.
  4. In a food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro, and 1 minced garlic clove. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the chopped bacon. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta gets coated.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Give it a quick stir before plating.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. Fry bacon on medium heat for perfect crispiness. Save bacon grease for other cooking if desired. Blend avocado ranch dressing until ultra-smooth for best texture. Prepare salad ahead but add lettuce just before serving to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

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

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