Print

Creamy Ranch BLT Pasta Salad with Cheddar and Avocado

Close-up of a creamy blt pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and crispy bacon crumbles.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy BLT Pasta Salad for your next gathering. It combines crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing into a satisfying cold pasta salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, white vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt to make the dressing.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing.
  5. Gently toss all ingredients until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Fold in the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
  7. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, prepare the salad without the lettuce and avocado up to 24 hours in advance. Stir in the lettuce and avocado just before serving.
  • If you prefer a tangier dressing, reduce the mayonnaise slightly and add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • This salad is a crowd pleaser for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/blt-pasta-salad-creamy-ranch-cheddar-avocado/