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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Flavor

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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside to cool.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, finely dice 1/2 cup of red onion, and shred 1 cup of iceberg lettuce. Keep everything ready to go before mixing.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the crispy bacon, halved tomatoes, diced onion, shredded lettuce, and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour the homemade ranch dressing over the salad and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Refrigerate the creamy BLT pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon in the oven on a wire rack for even crispiness and less mess. Toss salad gently to keep lettuce crisp. Add lettuce just before serving if storing salad to keep it fresh longer. Adjust seasoning of ranch dressing to taste. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

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

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