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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Twist

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a homemade ranch dressing that adds a tangy, herby twist. Perfect for summer gatherings and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (120 g) shredded iceberg lettuce or romaine, chopped
  • ½ cup (50 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini or penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, and ⅓ cup buttermilk. Add 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes, chop 1 cup shredded lettuce, and slice 2 green onions thinly. Grate ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add drained pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, and cheese. Pour the homemade ranch dressing over the salad.
  6. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together until well coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta or bruising the tomatoes.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and taste for seasoning; add more salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Crisp bacon in a skillet for best flavor and texture. Whisk dressing thoroughly to avoid separation. Chill salad before serving to meld flavors. If salad dries out after refrigeration, stir in a splash of buttermilk or extra mayo to refresh creaminess. Can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives as needed.

Nutrition

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

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