Description
This BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh and creamy twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining crispy bacon, tender bowtie pasta, crunchy lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes with a tangy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is easy to prepare with no cooking required beyond pasta and bacon, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (cooked and drained)
- 8 ounces bacon (cooked and crumbled – about 8 slices)
- 4 ounces shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup avocado ranch dressing (or regular ranch dressing)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pinch granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and drained bowtie pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, avocado ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, ground mustard, fine sea salt, and a pinch of granulated sugar until smooth and well blended.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring a creamy and flavorful finish.
Notes
- For best results, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Use crispy cooked bacon for maximum flavor and texture contrast.
- Feel free to substitute avocado ranch dressing with regular ranch dressing if preferred.
- This salad is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
