Introduction

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite with this BLT pasta salad featuring a creamy avocado dressing. It’s an easy, wholesome dish that combines crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and tender pasta for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers: a base of fresh green lettuce leaves, followed by pasta spirals that are light yellow in color. Mixed throughout are bright red cherry tomatoes, chunks of light green avocado, and crispy brown bacon pieces. The salad is topped with a sprinkling of grated cheese that adds a light yellow texture over the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces (225 grams) short pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
2 cups diced ripe tomatoes (Roma or cherry tomatoes)
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Small handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain well.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the dressing by combining avocado, minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons water if needed to reach desired consistency. Alternatively, mash avocado with a fork and whisk in other ingredients by hand.
Step 4: Dice the tomatoes and slice the green onions. Chop the fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Step 5: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly without mashing the ingredients.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. If made ahead, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Step 7: Garnish with the chopped basil or parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key to prevent sogginess.
Rinse pasta under cold water to cool and stop cooking, which helps maintain texture.
Use just-ripe avocado for a smooth creamy dressing without watery texture.
Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture contrast.
Toss salad gently to avoid mashing tomatoes and avocado.
Make dressing fresh and add just before serving to prevent browning.
For dairy-free, omit Greek yogurt or substitute with coconut yogurt.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
Vegetarian option: skip bacon and add roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika roasted nuts for crunch.
Spicy kick: add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dressing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado dressing may darken slightly but will still taste great. To refresh, stir in a little extra lemon juice and gently toss before serving. Avoid freezing as the creamy avocado texture will not hold up well.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad showing multiple layers. The bottom layer consists of fresh green leafy lettuce, topped with yellow spiral pasta. Scattered on the pasta are bright red cherry tomatoes, chunks of green avocado, and crispy brown bacon pieces. The salad is lightly sprinkled with grated cheese, adding a white texture on top. The glossy look of the ingredients shows freshness and slight moisture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this fresh BLT pasta salad with creamy avocado ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the pasta, bacon, and veggies ahead, but keep the avocado dressing separate until just before serving to avoid browning.

What’s the best pasta to use in this salad?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowties works best because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.