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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch and Crispy Bacon

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A creamy and flavorful pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a homemade avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. When cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl or blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, 1 tablespoon dill, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes and chop 3 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour avocado ranch dressing over top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together. Optionally garnish with extra chopped chives or crispy bacon crumbs.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad fresh. Use thick-cut bacon for best crunch. Make avocado ranch dressing fresh for best flavor. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising lettuce and tomatoes. Adjust seasoning after mixing as bacon adds saltiness. Prepare components separately if making ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-avocado-ranch-and-crispy-bacon-guide/