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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

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A rich, tangy, and addictive pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, crisp up 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat (about 8 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth using a fork. Add 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, shred 1 cup of lettuce, and thinly slice 2 green onions.
  5. Add chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions to the cooled pasta. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a final toss and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Cook bacon crisp but not burnt. Mash avocado well for a silky dressing. Toss gently to avoid breaking down lettuce and avocado. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Dressing can be loosened with a tablespoon of water or milk if too thick after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, avocado ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic recipe, bacon pasta salad

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-with-avocado-ranch-dressing-easy-recipe-for-summer/