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Creamy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Twist

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy, green-dressed blt pasta salad topped with crispy bacon pieces and halved cherry tomatoes.
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This creamy BLT pasta salad captures the flavors of a classic sandwich in a satisfying cold pasta dish. It uses a rich avocado ranch dressing, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, making it a perfect side for summer BBQs and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon until very crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and then crumble it.
  3. Prepare the avocado ranch dressing: Combine the avocado, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, and halved tomatoes.
  5. Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl.
  6. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  7. Chill the BLT pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly in a skillet over medium heat, draining excess fat as you go.
  • You can substitute store-bought ranch dressing for the homemade version if you need a quicker preparation time.
  • If making this ahead of time, reserve the lettuce and add it just before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/blt-pasta-salad-recipe-creamy-ranch-avocado/