Print

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a smooth avocado ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or romaine
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 tablespoons fresh dill. Blend until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash more buttermilk until pourable.
  4. To the cooled pasta, add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1/2 cup diced red onion (if using), chopped bacon, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley or chives. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the top.
  5. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Notes

Use ripe avocados for a smooth dressing. Cook bacon until just crispy to avoid bitterness. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool. Add lettuce last and toss gently to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini. Dressing thickens when chilled; stir before serving.

Nutrition

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

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