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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Delight

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A creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a homemade ranch dressing that clings beautifully to spiral pasta. Perfect for gatherings, quick to make, and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini pasta (or your favorite spiral pasta)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Wash and chop 2 cups of iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and shred 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese if using.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup buttermilk until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk again to combine everything well.
  5. While the pasta is still slightly warm (but not hot), place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Fold in the chopped bacon, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Toss lightly to combine all ingredients without bruising the lettuce.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Give the salad a gentle stir before plating and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

If pasta feels sticky after cooling, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil before adding dressing. Watch bacon closely to achieve crispy but not burnt texture. For less mess, bacon can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Add lettuce last and toss gently. Optionally add smoked paprika to dressing for smoky flavor. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.

Nutrition

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

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