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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Easy Creamy Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer pasta salad combining crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or your favorite short pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional garnish: cracked black pepper or smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool. Shake off excess water and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 8 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup buttermilk until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste and whisk again until well combined.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion (if using), and shred 3 cups romaine lettuce. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the top and gently toss until well coated. Avoid overmixing to keep lettuce crisp.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and pasta absorb the dressing. Before serving, gently toss and garnish with cracked black pepper or smoked paprika if desired.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Cook bacon to crisp perfection and let it rest on paper towels. Homemade ranch dressing is fresher and tangier than store-bought. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. If salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a little more buttermilk or olive oil. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use dairy-free mayo and yogurt. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy ranch dressing, summer salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, quick dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-ranch-dressing-for-summer/