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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Smoky Bacon Ranch Dressing

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A crisp and creamy pasta salad combining smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a homemade smoky ranch dressing for a comforting twist on the classic BLT.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta (can substitute gluten-free pasta)
  • 8 slices thick-cut smoky bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (Applewood-smoked preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • Ranch Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill or fresh chopped dill
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain thoroughly for about 5 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 8 thick-cut bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Wash and shred 2 cups of iceberg or romaine lettuce. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes or dice 2 medium tomatoes. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion (optional). Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, and 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 teaspoons dried or fresh dill. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust buttermilk quantity for desired thickness.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour ranch dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top if desired.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing thicken slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to avoid sogginess. Cook bacon on medium heat for even crisping. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add fresh lettuce or bacon before serving leftovers to maintain texture. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and buttermilk with coconut yogurt and almond milk. For low-carb, swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or hearts of palm noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, smoky bacon, ranch dressing, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic recipe

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-smoky-bacon-ranch-dressing/