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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Ranch and Crispy Turkey Bacon

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer pasta salad featuring creamy avocado ranch dressing, crispy turkey bacon, fresh veggies, and al dente pasta. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or bowtie pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 3 cups romaine lettuce, halve 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice 2 green onions. Mince 1 garlic clove. Toss these into the pasta bowl.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 large ripe avocado, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Pour the avocado ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Add the crispy turkey bacon last and fold in carefully to keep pieces intact.
  6. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta immediately after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Cook turkey bacon on medium heat and watch closely to avoid burning. If no blender is available, mash avocado and whisk dressing ingredients vigorously. Keep bacon separate until serving if preparing ahead to maintain crispness. Fresh lime juice helps prevent avocado browning. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking avocado dressing or smashing tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, avocado ranch, turkey bacon, summer salad, creamy dressing, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-ranch-and-crispy-turkey-bacon-easy-perfect-summer-dish/