Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado, a delightful twist on the classic sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish combines tender short pasta, crispy chicken bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a rich homemade dressing. Ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal year-round, this salad is packed with fresh ingredients and nutrients. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature—it’s a versatile dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta (shells, farfalle, or cavatappi)
- 1 pound chicken (or turkey) bacon
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups arugula leaves
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced chives
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced flat leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse under cool water and drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped chicken bacon until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken bacon, tomatoes, arugula, avocado, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust thickness as desired.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers. Use low-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option. Allowing the salad to chill helps meld the flavors beautifully.