Description
A refreshing and flavorful BLT Pasta Salad combining classic BLT ingredients like crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes with bowtie pasta, all tossed in a creamy avocado ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (cooked and drained)
- 8 ounces bacon (cooked and crumbled – about 8 slices)
- 4 ounces shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup avocado ranch dressing (or regular ranch dressing)
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pinch granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained bowtie pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded lettuce, and halved or quartered cherry tomatoes into a large mixing bowl. Toss everything gently to combine and set aside while preparing the dressing.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, avocado ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, ground mustard, fine sea salt, and a pinch of granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or chill before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and consider adding smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir gently before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Avocado ranch dressing adds a fresh, creamy twist, but you can use regular ranch dressing if preferred.
