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Creamy Bacon & Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy blt pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon crumbles.
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Make this easy BLT pasta salad for your next gathering. It combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender pasta in a rich, creamy ranch dressing. This recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, dried parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your creamy ranch dressing.
  3. In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, halved tomatoes, and red onion, if using.
  4. Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the BLT pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving cold.

Notes

  • For the best texture, add the chopped lettuce just before you plan to serve the salad, as it can wilt if dressed too far in advance.
  • If you are making this ahead for a potluck, store the dressing separately and toss everything together one hour before serving.
  • You can substitute store-bought ranch dressing for the homemade version to save time, though the homemade dressing offers better flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/blt-pasta-salad-creamy-bacon-ranch-recipe/