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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy fresh BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and al dente pasta tossed in a smooth, creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for a light, refreshing meal or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini 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 thoroughly.
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and dill. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If too thick, add a splash more buttermilk until desired consistency is reached.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced red onion. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the salad.
  5. Gently toss everything until well coated. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt or plant-based mayo. Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. If dressing thickens after chilling, stir in a little extra buttermilk before serving. Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and keeps salad fresh. Cook bacon slowly for best crispness. Vegetarian option: omit bacon and add smoked paprika or tempeh bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, avocado ranch dressing, quick pasta salad, creamy dressing, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, easy lunch recipe

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