Vibrant pasta salad with bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado ranch, perfect for picnic or backyard gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
02 - Salt, for boiling water
→ BLT Components
03 - 6 slices bacon
04 - 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Avocado Ranch Dressing
06 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed for thinning)
→ Optional Additions
17 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
18 - Extra chopped avocado, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
02 - Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop bacon into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, chives, dill, garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach preferred dressing consistency.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and optional red onion. Pour avocado ranch dressing over ingredients and toss gently to coat.
05 - Garnish with extra chopped avocado and chives if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
