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Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Fresh Basil Ranch Dressing

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A creamy, smoky, and herbaceous BLT pasta salad featuring crisp bacon, fresh veggies, and a vibrant homemade basil ranch dressing. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup buttermilk
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Optionally save a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra smoky flavor.
  3. Prepare the fresh basil ranch dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, and ⅓ cup buttermilk until smooth. Add minced garlic, chopped basil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, chopped bacon, halved tomatoes, chopped romaine, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Add the dressing: Pour the basil ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly. Add more buttermilk or olive oil if needed to loosen the dressing.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss gently before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt. Whisk dressing thoroughly or use an immersion blender for smoother texture. Add dressing just before serving to keep lettuce crisp. Save bacon fat for extra smoky flavor if desired. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-fresh-basil-ranch-dressing/