BLT Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and avocado ranch dressing create a vibrant, creamy pasta perfect for sunny picnics.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces 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 to 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 - Cook rotini or fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool. Reserve.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, render bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, chives, dill, garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve preferred consistency.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and optional red onion. Evenly coat with avocado ranch dressing and toss gently.
05 - Garnish with extra chopped avocado and chives as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing is so creamy and refreshing that you’ll be tempted to dip everything else in it.
  • It’s insanely easy to prep ahead and tastes even better after a little time in the fridge.
02 -
  • If you overcook the pasta or skip cooling it, the salad turns mushy and the dressing slides right off.
  • The first time I blended the dressing too long, it got runny—short bursts keep it creamy.
03 -
  • Mix the dressing just before serving—the green color is most vibrant right after blending.
  • Choose bacon with a little fat for crisp and chewy contrast—it brings out the salad’s BLT personality.
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