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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Delight

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A creamy BLT pasta salad featuring tender rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a homemade ranch dressing that brings a cool, tangy flavor. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a comforting meal any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • For the Homemade Ranch Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Prepare the veggies and cheese: Rinse and dry 2 cups shredded lettuce. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice 2 green onions. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Combine all in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Make the ranch dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/3 cup buttermilk until smooth. Add dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Combine salad: Add cooled pasta and chopped bacon to the bowl with veggies and cheese. Pour ranch dressing over and toss gently to combine. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for even crispness. Let bacon drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Whisk ranch dressing by hand for best texture. Adjust buttermilk to control dressing thickness. Chill salad before serving to meld flavors. For best texture when making ahead, keep lettuce separate until just before serving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-ranch-dressing-delight-2/