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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Best Ranch Dressing Side Dish

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A creamy BLT pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a luscious homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a casual weekday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • For the Ranch Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of rotini or elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lay 8 slices of thick-cut bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion, and shred 2 cups of iceberg or romaine lettuce. Prepare just before assembling to keep fresh and crisp.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the ranch dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or wilt the lettuce.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Give it a gentle toss before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Bake bacon on a foil-lined sheet pan for even crispness and less mess. Add lettuce last to avoid wilting. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. If salad seems dry after chilling, stir in extra buttermilk or mayonnaise. For lighter or dairy-free versions, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

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

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