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–+ servings

BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients  

Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

  • ½ large avocado, skin and seed removed
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup milk, as needed

Pasta Salad

  • 7 ounces dried short pasta, such as bowtie, penne, or elbow
  • 3 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1.5 cups romaine hearts, chopped
  • 5 tablespoons creamy avocado ranch dressing

Instructions 

Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

  • In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend until well-combined.
  • Continue blending and add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerator until needed.

Pasta Salad

  • Cook the pasta according to the package directions so that it is al dente. Drain and rinse well to cool.
  • In a large bowl combine the pasta, tomatoes, bacon, and romaine hearts. Add creamy avocado ranch dressing and toss gently to combine.
  • Chill pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

1. Rinse the pasta after it has been drained to both cool it down and avoid it from being overcooked.
2. Cook pasta just to al dente so that it doesn't become mushy after it has been combined with the other ingredients and dressing.
3. You can use your favorite store-bought ranch dressing as a substitute for the homemade avocado ranch dressing.
4. Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. The nutritional value will vary based on the type of ingredients used (example: mayonnaise, sour cream, and short pasta). It does not include the nutrition for any substitutions or additions.
5. Be sure to check out the Key Ingredients along with the Recipe Tips and Notes sections found in the post, for more tips, options, substitutions, and variations for this recipe! You will also find step-by-step photos there.