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BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Ranch Dressing for Summer

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A refreshing and creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and homemade ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives or 1 tablespoon fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop 3 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice ½ cup of green onions. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon dried chives, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything together until well coated with dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add extra mayonnaise or sour cream if the salad seems dry.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best crispiness. Fresh herbs enhance the ranch dressing flavor but dried herbs work in a pinch. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Can substitute gluten-free pasta for gluten-sensitive diets. Vegan and low-carb adaptations available.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-ranch-dressing-for-summer/