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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Ranch, Bacon & Avocado

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad combining elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, ripe avocado, and ranch dressing for a fresh, indulgent dish perfect for potlucks and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion or green onion
  • 1 cup shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy (about 8 minutes). Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and cool.
  4. Dice 2 ripe avocados, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/2 cup red or green onions, and shred 1 cup lettuce. Toss avocado in lemon juice if prepping early to prevent browning.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup ranch dressing, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. Add cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly. Fold in crispy bacon pieces, diced avocado, tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce. Mix carefully to keep avocado intact and distribute ingredients evenly.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free mayo and ranch for vegan adaptation. Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain texture. Baking bacon in oven at 400°F for 15 minutes is a good alternative to skillet cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, avocado pasta salad, ranch dressing salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ranch-bacon-avocado-easy-and-perfect/