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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Ranch Dressing

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A creamy, crunchy, and tangy BLT pasta salad with ranch dressing that makes a perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup (180ml) ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Rinse and shred 2 cups of romaine lettuce; halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes; slice 2 green onions thinly. Dry the lettuce well to avoid soggy salad.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup (180ml) ranch dressing, ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. Pour the dressing over and gently stir until everything is coated evenly.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the salad chill.
  7. Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness. Cool pasta and bacon thoroughly before mixing to avoid melting the dressing. Dry lettuce well to prevent sogginess. Make dressing ahead for better flavor. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to dressing for smoky depth. Stir gently to keep lettuce crisp. If salad is dry after chilling, add extra ranch or a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, ranch dressing pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ranch-dressing-easy-perfect-side-dish/