Oh, how I love cooking in the summer! The sun is shining, the garden is bursting with fresh produce, and there’s something indescribably comforting about preparing a meal that embodies lighter, fresher flavors. One of my fondest food memories revolves around the classic BLT—a beloved sandwich that somehow feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, it’s a nostalgic dish that takes me back to summer picnics and lazy afternoons. But what if we could take that essence and transform it into a pasta salad—one that’s not only delightful to the palate but is healthy and refreshing? Enter my Healthy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado!

This salad is a vibrant twist on a classic, bringing in the creaminess of avocado, the crunch of lettuce, and a pop of juicy tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s light, yet satisfying, making it a perfect dish for a warm summer evening or a quick lunch. Plus, you can whip it up in no time! Trust me; you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a quick, easy weeknight dinner.
• Budget-friendly, using ingredients you might already have.
• Deliciously comforting flavors that remind you of summertime.
• It’s packed with nutrients thanks to fresh veggies and healthy fats from avocado.
• Endlessly customizable—add or swap ingredients as you please!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious salad together:

• 8 oz pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free works great!)
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish

Remember, fresh garlic adds a little more punch than powdered, so if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to toss in a minced clove or two. Oh, and if you can find heirloom tomatoes, they add such a beautiful color and flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Healthy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s ready, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once it’s cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess grease.
3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and apple cider vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust, if necessary—sometimes it needs a little extra seasoning!
4. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. Gently fold in the diced avocado.
5. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado; we want those beautiful green cubes visible!
6. Taste test: Now is the moment to dig in! Taste your salad and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar. Adjust to your preference!
7. Serve: Transfer your salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. This dish is best served immediately, but it can also be chilled for 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.

And there you have it! A scrumptious, colorful pasta salad that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Oh, just imagine how lovely the smell of sizzling bacon will fill your kitchen! Just divine.

Pro Tips & Variations

Ready to make this salad uniquely yours? Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Add some crunch: Feel free to toss in some chopped cucumbers or a handful of sunflower seeds for an extra layer of texture.
• Herb it up: If you have access to fresh herbs, add some basil or parsley for a refreshing kick! Dill also works beautifully.
• Go spicy: For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
• Swap your greens: You can replace the romaine with spinach or mixed greens—whatever you have on hand!
• Protein boost: Want to add a bit more protein? Shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas are excellent options.

Experimenting with flavors and textures makes cooking so much fun. Don’t be afraid to play around until it’s just right for you!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve, I love to present this salad in a big, beautiful bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s so vibrant and inviting! You could pair this pasta salad alongside crusty garlic bread or even grilled chicken for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, I’d recommend a chilled glass of white wine or a light, fizzy sparkling water with a splash of citrus. Mmm, just thinking about it makes me smile!

Storage Tips

This pasta salad is wonderful for meal prep! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily use any leftovers in a subsequent meal. To maintain the avocado’s freshness, try to eat it within a day or so after preparation. If you need to reheat it, give the salad a quick mix and enjoy it at room temperature, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds—just be cautious, as we don’t want the avocado to get too hot!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! I recommend prepping the pasta, bacon, and veggies separately a day in advance, then tossing everything together with the dressing right before serving. This way, the ingredients stay crisp and fresh!

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes, definitely! Feel free to swap out the pasta for any shape you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully too; just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Whole grain pasta is an excellent option for added fiber as well.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise?

Sure! Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative for a lighter dressing while still keeping that creamy texture. It adds a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors in this salad!

How do I keep the avocados from browning?

To keep your avocados looking fresh, you can drizzle a little lemon or lime juice over the diced fruit before mixing it into the salad. This citrusy touch will help retain their gorgeous green color!

I hope this Healthy BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado brings you as much joy in the kitchen as it does to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it! If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop me a comment or tag me on social media; let’s share in this delicious journey together! Happy cooking, friends!