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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad with Easy 5-Ingredient Creamy Ranch Dressing

Fresh BLT Pasta Salad - featured image
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A bright, crisp pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, and romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy homemade ranch dressing made from just five simple ingredients. Perfect for quick, satisfying meals and summer cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: thinly sliced green onions
  • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well and set aside to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 3 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice 2 large ripe tomatoes. If using green onions, slice thinly now. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup buttermilk until smooth. Stir in 1 tsp each dried dill, parsley, and chives, ½ tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and optional green onions. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it one last gentle toss before serving. If it looks dry after chilling, add a splash of buttermilk or a little extra dressing.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent clumping and keep salad fresh. Cook bacon crisp for best texture. Dry lettuce thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising lettuce and crushing tomatoes. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-creamy-ranch-dressing/