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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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A fresh and delicious pasta salad combining crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp lettuce with a creamy avocado dressing. Perfect for light meals, picnics, and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 pint (about 300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (dairy-free alternative: coconut or almond yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh basil or chives for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-size pieces.
  3. Halve 1 pint (300 grams) of cherry tomatoes and chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce. Set aside.
  4. In a food processor, combine 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce.
  6. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
  7. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil or chives if desired.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after boiling to prevent sogginess. Use ripe avocados for a creamy dressing. Cook bacon over medium heat for best crispness. Dressing can be loosened with water or lemon juice if too thick. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; stir dressing before serving again. Avoid freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, avocado dressing, pasta salad recipe, bacon pasta salad, creamy avocado dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-dressing-easy-and-delicious/