BLT Pasta Avocado Ranch (Printable)

Bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado ranch unite in a colorful summer pasta perfect for sharing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ BLT Components

03 - 6 slices bacon
04 - 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
05 - 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

→ Avocado Ranch Dressing

06 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, as needed for thinning

→ Optional Additions

17 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
18 - Extra chopped avocado, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. When cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, chives, dill, garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Add milk gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches desired consistency.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and optional red onion. Pour avocado ranch dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
05 - Top with extra chopped avocado and chives if desired. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This pasta salad is secretly loaded with satisfying flavors that always get people asking for seconds.
  • The avocado ranch turns ordinary pasta into something cool and irresistible, especially on sweltering days.
02 -
  • If you dress the salad while the pasta is still warm, it turns gluey—wait until it's cool before tossing.
  • Blending herbs and avocado together is what keeps the dressing airy, so don’t shortcut to hand-mixing unless you’re after chunkier texture.
03 -
  • Always taste your dressing before tossing; avocados vary in flavor and need adjusting sometimes.
  • Chill the salad after mixing for at least 30 minutes—the flavors bloom, and textures stay perfect.
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