BLT Pasta Salad

4 from 20 votes

Classic BLT flavors plus avocado bring this Avocado BLT Pasta Salad to a whole new level! Made with pasta, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado and tossed with a homemade Italian dressing. It makes the perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, or potlucks, or just meal prep during the week.

Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword bacon pasta salad, blt pasta salad, pasta salad with Italian dressing

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings cups

Calories 195kcal

Author Kelly Nardo

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

1 pound rotini pasta
8 pieces of bacon
3 packed cups chopped romaine (175 grams/1 head)
2 heaping cups cherry tomatoes, halved (1 pint/350 grams)
2 large avocados, diced (360 grams) - can also use 3 small avocados
4 green onions, chopped
optional toppings: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes

Italian Dressing

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
pinch of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Make the pasta according to the instructions on the box. Once done, drain and set aside to cool.
While the pasta cooks, make the bacon. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add bacon and a sprinkle of pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until crispy. You might have to do this in a few batches depending on how big your pan is. Once it is done, add to a paper towel-lined plate to let cool. Once cooled, crumble with your hands.
While the bacon cooks, make the dressing. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar until well combined. Adjust according to taste. You can also prep/chop your veggies while the bacon cooks.
In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and green onions. Add dressing and mix until combined. Top with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Enjoy!

Notes

Pasta salad will last up to 5 days in a tightly sealed glass container in the fridge.

Nutrition