Print

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Ranch Dressing Meal

creamy BLT pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy BLT pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying lunch, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or shell pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full fat)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or shell pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Wash and halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. Chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce and dry thoroughly to avoid watering down the salad.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Pour the ranch dressing on top. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give it one last gentle toss before plating.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispiness. Make ranch dressing ahead for better flavor. Toss salad gently to keep lettuce crisp. Add extra buttermilk or olive oil if salad is dry after chilling. Variations include vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and spicy versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, ranch dressing, bacon salad, easy pasta salad, quick dinner, picnic recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/creamy-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-ranch-dressing-meal/