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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Salad

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a homemade ranch dressing that ties everything together with a tangy, herby flavor. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 pint (about 10 oz/280 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 3 stalks green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 cup (about 4 oz/115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt as a substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it. Let it drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Rinse and halve 1 pint (280 g) cherry tomatoes. Chop 2 cups romaine lettuce and slice 3 green onions finely.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dressing should be creamy but pourable.
  5. In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine, green onions, and 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese. Pour ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Give it a gentle toss again before serving. The salad tastes best chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.

Notes

If pasta feels dry after refrigeration, stir in a splash of buttermilk or milk to loosen it up. Avoid overdressing to keep the salad light. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to ranch dressing. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking tomatoes or crushing lettuce. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor melding.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-ranch-dressing-salad/