BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado: The Unstoppable Side Dish

Imagine a dish that combines the best parts of a BLT sandwich, the creaminess of avocado, and the satisfying chew of pasta. Now stop imagining—because this recipe exists. It’s the kind of dish that disappears at potlucks, gets requested at barbecues, and might just ruin store-bought pasta salads for you forever.

No fancy skills required, just big flavors. Ready to make your next obsession?

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another pasta salad. It’s a flavor bomb with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy avocado.

The dressing? A tangy, smoky blend that clings to every bite. The avocado adds richness without overpowering, and the pasta holds up like a champ.

It’s hearty enough to be a meal but works as a side. Plus, it’s customizable—more on that later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Whisk the dressing: mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the pasta with the dressing until evenly coated.
4. Add bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. Gently fold to combine.
5. Fold in avocado last to prevent mushiness.
   

   Serve immediately or chill.

   
   

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado will brown slightly, but a squeeze of lemon juice helps. Pro tip: Add the avocado fresh when serving leftovers.

The bacon stays crispy if stored separately, but let’s be real—leftovers rarely last that long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and balances textures and flavors like a pro. The avocado adds healthy fats, the bacon brings the umami, and the dressing ties it all together. Plus, it’s versatile—swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.

IMO, it’s the ultimate lazy cook’s flex.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta. Mushy pasta = sad salad.
• Adding avocado too early. It turns brown and slimy—no thanks.
• Skipping the lemon juice.
  

  It brightens the dish and keeps the avocado fresh.

  
  
• Drowning it in dressing. Start with half, then add more as needed.

Ingredient Alternatives

No sour cream? Use Greek yogurt.

Vegetarian? Skip bacon and add smoked almonds. Hate mayo?

Try a vinaigrette. Out of romaine? Spinach works.

FYI, this recipe is forgiving—experiment and make it yours.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but hold the avocado and lettuce until serving. Mix everything else and refrigerate. Add the fresh stuff right before eating.

What pasta works best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini or penne hold dressing and toppings better.

Long pasta like spaghetti? Not so much.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss it with lemon juice before adding, or store it separately. Acid = avocado’s best friend.

Can I use turkey bacon?

Sure, but expect less crunch and smokiness.

Regular bacon is the MVP here, but you do you.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado is stupidly easy and stupidly good. It’s the dish you’ll make when you want to impress without the stress. So go ahead—whip it up, watch it vanish, and bask in the compliments.

You’re welcome.