Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture: the BLT Pasta Salad with Buttermilk Ranch! This irresistible fusion of classic BLT ingredients and hearty pasta creates a salad that’s not only satisfying but also refreshingly cool—perfect for those warm days ahead. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a salad that combines the best of both worlds—comfort food and fresh ingredients!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the romaine lettuce, and crumble the pre-cooked bacon.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Pour the buttermilk ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for elbow macaroni or rotini, as their shapes hold onto the dressing and ingredients beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook your pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, which helps it hold up against the other ingredients in the salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow your salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together, creating a more delicious dish.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Avocado, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of cheese can enhance the salad and make it your own.
- Make Extra Dressing: If you love a creamy dressing, consider making a little extra buttermilk ranch to serve on the side. This way, everyone can customize their salad to their liking!
- Serve Cold: This pasta salad is best served chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
