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Tasty BLT Pasta Salad With Creamy Ranch Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 641 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Tasty BLT Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with a creamy ranch dressing, creating a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. With rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy romaine, and sharp cheddar cheese tossed in a zesty ranch dressing, this salad is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6–8 strips)
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
  3. Prepare dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, and lemon juice until well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Chill the salad: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good stir, and taste for additional seasoning if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.
  • Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk with a splash of vinegar.
  • This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy ranch pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, rotini salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad

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Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/tasty-blt-pasta-salad-with-creamy-ranch-dressing-recipe/