BLT Pasta Avocado Ranch (Print Version)

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

# 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:

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

# Additional Notes:

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