Name: The Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best); 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled; 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped; ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional); ¼ cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional); 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice (to taste); 1 small garlic clove; ¼ cup fresh basil or cilantro (optional but great); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2–4 Tbsp water or milk, to thin as needed

The Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing Recipe

Author: David Andersson
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

At its core, this recipe is a contemporary twist on the American “deli-style” pasta salad. Traditional versions often rely heavily on store-bought mayonnaise and dried herbs, which can sometimes feel a bit weighed down. By contrast, the BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing focuses on texture and vibrant color.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad

12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best)
8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta (optional)

Creamy Avocado Dressing

1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 Tbsp olive oil
1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice (to taste)
1 small garlic clove
¼ cup fresh basil or cilantro (optional but great)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2–4 Tbsp water or milk, to thin as needed

Instructions

Cook the pasta
- Cook pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Make the dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water or milk a little at a time until pourable.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and citrus.
Assemble the salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and cheese (if using).
Toss and serve
- Add dressing and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes for best flavor.

Notes

For extra freshness, add halved cherry tomatoes or a handful of baby spinach just before serving. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, but give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the creamy avocado dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1½ cups
Calories: 420 kcal

Keywords: Bacon Lettuce Tomato Pasta Salad, Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad, Summer BLT Salad Recipe, Avocado Dressing Pasta Salad

Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/blt-pasta-salad-with-creamy-avocado-dressing/