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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a smooth homemade avocado ranch dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for summer gatherings and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces small pasta shapes (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt (dairy-free yogurt optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until just al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, lay 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until crispy but not burnt, about 10-12 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cool.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, chives, and parsley. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne. Add a splash of buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes and shred the lettuce. Ensure lettuce is dry to avoid watering down the salad.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour avocado ranch dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan and cook over medium heat for even crispiness. Rinse pasta with cold water and drain well to prevent sogginess. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. If salad feels dry after chilling, stir in extra dressing or olive oil. Use ripe avocado for best dressing texture. Adjust salt carefully due to bacon’s saltiness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-avocado-ranch-dressing/