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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Ranch Dressing

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A creamy and crunchy pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a flavorful ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, for pasta water and seasoning

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 thick-cut bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 3 cups romaine lettuce, halve 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, and finely dice ¼ cup red onion. If using fresh herbs, chop 2 tablespoons chives or parsley.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ranch dressing, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasonings with black pepper or extra herbs as needed. Thin with a teaspoon or two of milk or buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and onions. Pour the ranch dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick toss and sprinkle fresh herbs on top.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and keep it cool for the salad. Save some bacon fat to sauté onions for extra smoky flavor if desired. Toss salad gently to keep lettuce crisp and pasta intact. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Avoid overdressing to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ranch-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/