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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad with ranch dressing that combines crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce for a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 6–8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce or romaine
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it off. Set aside to drain fully (about 5 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Rinse and halve 1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes. Shred 1 cup of iceberg or romaine lettuce finely. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup buttermilk, and ½ cup ranch dressing until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and optional shredded cheddar cheese or chives if using. Pour the ranch dressing over and gently toss to coat everything thoroughly without crushing the veggies.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and chill properly. Before serving, give it a gentle toss again and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Cook bacon until crispy for texture contrast. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Optional smoked paprika adds smoky depth. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

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

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