Description
A fresh and flavorful BLT Pasta Salad combining crispy bacon, creamy avocado, crunchy romaine, and tangy cherry tomatoes tossed with a homemade ranch dressing for a perfect summer side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce box Rotini Pasta (cooked, drained, and rinsed with cold water)
- 13 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- ½ large red onion (finely diced)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (cut into cubes, measured after cubing)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (cut or torn into bite size pieces, measured after cutting)
- 1 avocado (cut into small pieces)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half, measured after cutting)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- 1 1-ounce packet Hidden Valley Dressing Mix (dry)
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Whisk together until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta, then drain again. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked and chopped bacon, finely diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and bite-sized pieces of romaine lettuce to the bowl with the pasta.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the combined ingredients. Use tongs to gently toss the salad until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the BLT pasta salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, make sure to cool the pasta completely before combining with other ingredients to prevent sogginess.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated, but add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Additional fresh herbs like dill or chives can be added for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
