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Fresh BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Avocado Twist for Summer

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A bright, crunchy, and smooth pasta salad combining smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, crisp romaine, and a creamy avocado dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta (can use gluten-free pasta)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes and chop 3 cups romaine lettuce. Set aside.
  4. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 large ripe avocado, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with dressing. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley on top.
  7. Serve immediately for a crisp bite or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon low and slow for crispiness. Avoid over-blending avocado to keep dressing texture. Add dressing gradually to avoid weighing down salad. Use ripe but firm avocados. Dressing can be thinned with water or extra lemon juice if too thick. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days; keep dressing separate if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy avocado dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad option

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/fresh-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-avocado-twist-for-summer/