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BLT Pasta Avocado Ranch

Category: American Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Bright flavors and creamy textures come together in this BLT pasta salad with avocado ranch dressing. Crisp bacon delivers a savory crunch, while cherry tomatoes and lettuce bring garden freshness. Pasta twists hold a luscious avocado-rich dressing, blending Greek yogurt, lemon, and seasonings for tangy notes. Each bite balances cool vegetables, hearty noodles, and smoky bacon, finished by a velvety ranch. Chill for extra flavor melding, and enjoy as a vibrant lunch or side dish where classic sandwich inspiration meets comforting pasta delight. Easily adaptable and perfect for a crowd, it's a refreshing blend of textures and tastes.

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Updated on Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:12:31 GMT
A BLT pasta salad with avocado ranch dressing. Save
A BLT pasta salad with avocado ranch dressing. | krispyrecipes.com

This BLT pasta salad with avocado ranch dressing takes the familiar flavors of a classic BLT sandwich and turns them into a creamy satisfying dish perfect for picnics or family meals I love how the smooth avocado dressing brings everything together adding richness and a little tang that makes every bite pop

The first time I tossed this for a barbecue the bowl was empty before anyone touched the burgers It became a must have for every family cookout

Ingredients

  • Short pasta like rotini or penne: Pasta must be cooked just to al dente for the right chew
  • Crispy bacon: Bacon adds a savory crunch Use good quality thick cut for best flavor
  • Cherry tomatoes halved: These add juicy sweetness Choose ripe firm tomatoes for color and taste
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce chopped: Lettuce brings a fresh green bite Add just before serving to maintain crispness
  • Avocado diced: This creamy addition elevates texture Pick a ripe avocado that yields slightly to pressure
  • Red onion thinly sliced: Red onion provides sharpness and color Try soaking slices in cold water to mellow flavor
  • Dressing avocado: Use extra ripe for smoothness
  • Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tang Opt for full fat for richness
  • Mayonnaise: Classic creamy element Look for real egg mayo
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon brightens flavors and keeps avocado from browning
  • Garlic powder: Gentle savory depth Use a fresh bottle for full potency
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning Toss in just before serving for balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente then drain well and cool on a large plate Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
Make the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
Scoop out ripe avocado and blend with Greek yogurt mayo lemon juice garlic powder and a pinch of salt and pepper Blend until silky smooth taste and adjust seasoning
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Chop lettuce halve tomatoes dice avocado and slice red onion As bacon cools chop it into bite size pieces
Combine and Toss:
In a large bowl add cooled pasta bacon tomatoes lettuce onion and diced avocado Pour dressing over Toss gently to coat everything well without breaking up the avocado
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes so flavors mingle Serve cold straight from the fridge or just let it sit for a few minutes at room temp before serving
A fork is being used to pick up a piece of food from a bowl. Save
A fork is being used to pick up a piece of food from a bowl. | krispyrecipes.com

My favorite part is always the bacon and avocado combo Sometimes my daughter helps add extra bacon I grew up bringing a similar pasta salad to outdoor gatherings and now she looks forward to shaking the dressing herself

Storage Tips

Keep leftover salad stored in a tightly sealed container in the fridge Make sure the lettuce stays above any extra dressing to keep it crisp If making a day ahead combine everything except lettuce and add it just before serving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or use turkey bacon for a lighter touch You can also use baby spinach instead of lettuce or toss in diced cucumbers for extra crunch If you cannot have dairy a plain coconut yogurt works well for the dressing

Serving Suggestions

Pile onto a bed of fresh greens for even more veggies Serve with grilled chicken breast for a protein packed meal Or offer it as part of a buffet spread with fruit skewers and potato chips It is also delicious tucked into a wrap for lunch

Cultural Historical Context

Pasta salads gained popularity in American potlucks during the mid twentieth century combining convenience with bold flavors This BLT version nods to the classic diner sandwich but with a fresh creamy ranch twist I love how it celebrates simple everyday ingredients

A fork is being used to pick up a piece of food from a bowl. Save
A fork is being used to pick up a piece of food from a bowl. | krispyrecipes.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I keep the avocado fresh in the salad?

Toss diced avocado with a bit of lemon juice to help slow browning before adding to the salad.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Rotini and penne are ideal choices as their spirals and tubes catch the dressing and ingredients well.

→ Can I prepare the salad ahead?

Prepare the components in advance, but mix everything and add the dressing just before serving for freshness.

→ Is it possible to make this without bacon?

For a vegetarian option, replace bacon with crispy chickpeas or smoked tempeh for similar savory notes.

→ What is the best way to achieve a creamy dressing?

Blend ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings until completely smooth.

BLT Pasta Avocado Ranch

Creamy avocado ranch dressing combines with bacon, tomatoes, and pasta for crunchy, fresh flavors.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min

Recipe Category: Quick & Easy Meals

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings (1 large salad bowl)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Salad

01 300 grams short pasta (rotini or penne)
02 200 grams crispy bacon, chopped
03 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
05 1 avocado, diced
06 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced

→ Avocado Ranch Dressing

07 1 ripe avocado
08 100 grams Greek yogurt
09 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
10 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 Salt, to taste
13 Black pepper, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 02

In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, sliced red onion, and diced avocado. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 04

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Additional Notes

  1. For optimal freshness, add the lettuce and diced avocado just before serving to retain their texture.

Required Tools

  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise), milk (Greek yogurt), and pork (bacon).
  • Contains gluten (pasta).

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Fats: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 21 g