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Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Bacon Ranch Dressing for Summer

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A quick and easy BLT pasta salad featuring a creamy bacon ranch dressing, perfect for summer meals. This comforting dish combines smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and tender pasta for a satisfying and flavorful salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon (preferably Applewood smoked), cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • For the Creamy Bacon Ranch Dressing:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or thin regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cooked bacon (reserved from above)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Cook the bacon: While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-size pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons for the dressing.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Stir in dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the reserved 2 tablespoons chopped bacon. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Chop the veggies: Wash and chop lettuce into bite-size pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes and finely dice red onion if using.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld. If dressing is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of buttermilk or milk before serving.

Notes

Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispness without burning. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and cool. Adjust dressing thickness with buttermilk or milk if needed. For best texture, add lettuce just before serving if making ahead. Can substitute almond milk or dairy-free yogurt for buttermilk and sour cream for dairy-free option. Use gluten-free pasta to make gluten-friendly.

Nutrition

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

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