Save Pin The first time I tossed this BLT pasta with avocado ranch I was chasing early summer tomatoes from the farmers market and ended up improvising the dressing between errands, which turned into a messy happy hour in my kitchen.
I remember serving this to friends after a neighborhood pickup game and everyone kept going back for more even after claiming to be full which made me grin and write the recipe down right away.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta for good nooks that catch the dressing.
- Salt for boiling water: A generous pinch seasons the pasta from the inside out and it makes a noticeable difference.
- Bacon: 6 slices cooked until crisp then chopped so you get smoky crunch in every bite.
- Romaine lettuce: 2 cups chopped for a sturdy green that stays crisp tossed with dressing.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup halved for bursts of sweetness and color.
- Avocado ranch dressing: 1 ripe avocado mayonnaise sour cream lemon juice chives dill garlic onion powder salt and pepper blended smooth for a creamy herb forward coating.
- Optional additions: Red onion or extra avocado for garnish if you want more layers of texture and flavor.
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil then add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions and drain then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Crisp the bacon:
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp then drain on paper towels and chop into bite sized pieces so it stays crunchy in the salad.
- Make the avocado ranch:
- Combine avocado mayonnaise sour cream lemon juice chives dill garlic onion powder salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth then add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the dressing reaches the thickness you like.
- Toss the salad:
- In a large bowl combine cooled pasta bacon lettuce tomatoes and optional red onion then pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra chopped avocado and chives and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Save Pin Once I brought this to a backyard barbecue and a picky cousin who avoids salads asked for seconds which is when I realized this recipe had quietly become the main event.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with crusty bread and a light white wine for a simple evening meal or pack it in a cooler for a picnic since it stands up well at room temperature.
Variations to Try
Swap in smoked tempeh or grilled chicken if you want to make it vegetarian or heartier and add a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness.
Finishing Touches
A small final drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra chives lifts the presentation and flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for a fresh lift.
- Toast some breadcrumbs and scatter them on top for extra crunch.
- Keep a little extra dressing on the side for guests who like it saucy.
Save Pin Give this one a try the next time tomatoes are at their peak and enjoy how easy it is to feed a crowd with very little fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the bacon crispy in the salad?
Cook bacon until deeply golden and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat. Let it cool fully before chopping and tossing with the cooled pasta to retain crunch.
- → How can I adjust the avocado ranch consistency?
Blend avocado with mayo and sour cream until smooth, then add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable but creamy consistency. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor.
- → Can this be made ahead for a picnic?
Yes. Prepare components separately: cook and chill pasta, crisp bacon, and store dressing in an airtight container. Toss everything together shortly before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
- → What are good substitutions for bacon?
For a vegetarian swap, use smoked tempeh or crispy roasted mushrooms. Grilled chicken also works if you want extra protein without changing other flavors.
- → Will this work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Use a high-quality gluten-free rotini or fusilli and cook to al dente as instructed on the package; rinse to cool before tossing with other ingredients.
- → How can I prevent the lettuce from wilting?
Use chilled, well-drained romaine and add it to the salad just before serving. If chilling the assembled salad, store it briefly and stir gently right before serving.
