BLT PASTA SALAD WITH AVOCADO RANCH DRESSING
This BLT pasta salad combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and tender pasta with a creamy avocado ranch dressing. It's an easy summer side dish that's perfect for cookouts, potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Small blender or food processor
- Colander
- Large skillet
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
- 1 large ripe avocado
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Drain well.
Cook the Bacon
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let cool, and crumble into small pieces.
Make the Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Add the avocado, Greek yogurt, buttermilk, lemon juice, ranch seasoning, dill, garlic, and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Combine the Salad
- Add the cooled pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, red onion, cheddar cheese, and green onions to a large bowl.
Add the Dressing
- Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving. Toss gently once more and add a little extra dressing if needed.
Notes
- Summer Favorite: Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and smoky bacon make this pasta salad perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
- Creamy Dressing: Avocado and Greek yogurt create a rich ranch-style dressing without relying entirely on mayonnaise.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pasta, bacon, vegetables, and dressing separately up to one day ahead and combine shortly before serving.
- Best Texture: Add the romaine just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.
- Easy Variation: Add grilled chicken, diced turkey, corn, cucumber, or shredded carrots to turn this side dish into a complete meal.