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Creamy Cold BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy cold BLT pasta salad featuring a unique avocado ranch dressing that combines smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and chilled pasta for a refreshing and indulgent dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 ripe medium-sized avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and 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 directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop cooking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce, and finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion. Add these to the bowl with the pasta.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 2 ripe avocados, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash more buttermilk until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the pasta and veggies. Add the chopped bacon last and gently toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill nicely.
  7. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again. If it seems thick, add a drizzle of buttermilk or olive oil to loosen it up.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness and help it hold the dressing. Use ripe but firm avocados for best texture and flavor. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Bacon can be cooked in the oven for less mess. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly. Keep bacon separate if preparing ahead to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

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