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30-Minute Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing

Close-up of creamy blt pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon.
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Make this easy BLT pasta salad in 30 minutes. It combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender pasta in a rich, creamy dressing. This is a perfect summer side dish for BBQs or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot (optional, for color)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the homemade ranch dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
  4. Pour the homemade ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
  5. If using, add the shredded carrot for extra color and crunch.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the BLT pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  7. Serve this quick side dish cold at your next gathering.

Notes

  • For the best texture, add the chopped lettuce just before serving, or immediately before chilling, to keep it crisp.
  • You can substitute store-bought ranch dressing if you need to save time, but the homemade version adds superior flavor to this creamy pasta salad.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/blt-pasta-salad/