BLT Pasta Salad Avocado (Print Version)

Hearty pasta salad with bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and creamy dressing for a fresh meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Recipe Steps:

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 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, reserving some 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.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The bacon stays crispy even after mixing with the dressing, which honestly feels like kitchen magic.
  • It tastes just as good the next day, so you can actually prep it without stress.
  • One salad works as a main dish or a side, depending on how hungry everyone is.
02 -
  • The biggest mistake is adding avocado too early—it bruises, browns, and falls apart if it sits in acidic dressing for long.
  • Cold pasta matters: if you add warm or room-temperature pasta to the dressing, it'll absorb too much and become soggy within minutes.
03 -
  • If your bacon isn't crispy enough, spread it on a baking sheet and finish it in a 400°F oven for two minutes—it'll crisp up completely.
  • The lemon juice in the dressing does double work: it prevents browning and brightens every flavor, so don't skip it thinking it's optional.
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