BLT Pasta with Avocado Ranch: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Few recipes capture the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh quite like BLT Pasta with Avocado Ranch. Imagine everything you love about a BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce—now tossed with tender pasta and a luscious homemade avocado ranch dressing. It’s a comfort food dream that also feels refreshingly light and modern.

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, potluck favorite, or make-ahead lunch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a fan of pasta salads or hearty main courses, this versatile recipe bridges the gap beautifully.

🥓 Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta with Avocado Ranch

• Creamy meets fresh: The avocado ranch provides smooth richness that perfectly complements the saltiness of bacon and the brightness of tomatoes.
• Easy prep: It comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, BBQ sides, or meal prep lunches.
• Nutritious and flavorful: Avocado adds healthy fats while keeping the texture creamy without heavy cream.

🥑 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:

• 1 large ripe avocado
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup buttermilk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Boil your chosen pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cool water, and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the bacon:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the avocado ranch dressing:
   In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust with more buttermilk for a thinner consistency.
4. Assemble the pasta salad:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, lettuce, and cheese (if using).
5. Toss with dressing:
   Pour avocado ranch over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill and serve:
   Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra bacon on top before serving.

BLT Pasta with Avocado Ranch

A creamy, refreshing twist on the classic BLT—pasta tossed with crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and homemade avocado ranch dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American, Fusion

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Salad

• 8 oz rotini pasta cooked and cooled
• 8 slices bacon cooked and chopped
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 ripe avocado diced
• 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
• 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup cheddar cheese optional

Avocado Ranch Dressing

• 1 avocado
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 0.25 cup buttermilk adjust for consistency
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Blender or food processor
• Skillet
• Colander

Method

 

1. Cook pasta, drain, and cool completely.
2. Cook bacon until crispy and chop.
3. Blend avocado, mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, and seasonings to make dressing.
4. Combine pasta, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, onion, lettuce, and cheese.
5. Toss with dressing, chill 20 minutes, and serve garnished with herbs.

Notes

Best served chilled. Add lettuce and avocado right before serving for best texture.

💡 Tips for Perfect BLT Pasta

• Keep it crisp: Add lettuce and avocado right before serving to prevent wilting or browning.
• Meal prep trick: Store dressing separately and mix it in just before serving.
• Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise.
• Add-ins: Crumbled feta, grilled chicken, or chopped boiled eggs can turn this into a full meal.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve BLT Pasta with Avocado Ranch as:

• A side dish for grilled meats or BBQ.
• A light main course for lunch.
• A refreshing potluck or picnic salad.

It’s just as delicious served chilled as it is slightly warm. Pair it with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine for the perfect meal combo.

🌿 Fun Fact

The BLT sandwich first gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century but truly became iconic after the invention of pre-sliced bread. Turning it into a pasta salad is a brilliant way to celebrate the same flavors in a heartier, fork-friendly form.

🧑‍🍳 Variations

• Spicy version: Add a dash of cayenne or sliced jalapeños to the dressing.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add smoky roasted chickpeas or tempeh.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—chickpea or quinoa varieties work great.

🧡 Why Avocado Ranch?

Traditional ranch dressing is beloved for its tangy creaminess. Adding avocado not only enhances texture but adds a subtle richness and nutrition boost—healthy fats, potassium, and fiber—all without needing extra oil.

🍝 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 380 | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Carbs: 30g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 390mg | Cholesterol: 35mg