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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado

creamy BLT pasta salad with avocado - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad with avocado that combines crispy bacon, fresh avocado, and tangy dressing for a fresh, comforting dish perfect for gatherings and weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 large ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Dice 1 large ripe avocado, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chop 2 cups romaine lettuce, and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion if using. Keep avocado aside until ready to mix to prevent browning.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and red onion. Gently fold in diced avocado, being careful not to mash it. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep firm. Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness. Chill salad to meld flavors and thicken dressing. Cook bacon crispy for best texture. Toss gently to avoid mashing avocado. Add avocado and lettuce last minute for freshness. Can substitute gluten-free pasta or turkey bacon for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, avocado salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-with-avocado-easy-recipe-for-fresh-flavor/