BLT Pasta Salad Bacon Avocado (Printer Friendly)

A fresh, hearty salad combining classic BLT flavors with creamy avocado and pasta.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water

→ Bacon

03 - 6 slices bacon

→ Vegetables

04 - 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 large ripe avocado, diced
06 - 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

08 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional Additions

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, turning occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, and most of the bacon (reserve a little for garnish). Add the dressing and toss gently to coat.
05 - Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with the remaining bacon and optional herbs. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours for a colder salad.

# Pro Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a BLT sandwich had a delicious affair with pasta salad, combining two comfort food worlds into one bowl.
  • You can make it ahead and chill it, or serve it warm, which means it works for picnics, potlucks, or quiet dinners at home.
  • The creamy dressing with that tangy mustard and lemon keeps everything from feeling heavy, even with bacon and mayo.
02 -
  • Add the avocado right before serving or it will brown and turn the salad gray, which looks sad no matter how good it tastes.
  • Don't skip rinsing the pasta under cold water, or the residual heat will cook your tomatoes and wilt your lettuce.
03 -
  • Cook your pasta one minute under the package time so it stays firm when it mingles with the cold dressing and warm bacon.
  • Toast the pasta one more minute in the skillet with the bacon fat if you're feeling bold, which adds a subtle crispness and flavor that people will notice but won't be able to name.
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