🍝 BLT Pasta Salad

This **BLT Pasta Salad** is a creamy, crunchy, and refreshing twist on the classic sandwich — packed with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and tender pasta in a zesty ranch dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, BBQs, or a quick lunch!

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini, penne, or fusilli pasta
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or white vinegar)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
2. Prep ingredients: Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Halve tomatoes, dice onion, shred lettuce and cheese.
3. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and cheese.
5. Add dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
6. Chill: Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend.
7. Serve cold: Toss again before serving. Great with grilled chicken or as a standalone side!

Tip: Add avocado just before serving for extra creaminess. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo!

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