BLT Pasta Salad Served with Avocado and Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

This Weeknight Gem—a meal that can be made in less than an hour—takes the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich and turns them into a veggie-packed pasta salad. The creamy dill-flavored, dairy-free ranch dressing and the added avocado make this salad delightful to the taste buds and a very satisfying meal or side dish that everyone will love!

6
1 (12-ounce) package Natural Grocers Brand Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon
1 (12-ounce) package Natural Grocers Brand Organic Gluten-Free Penne Rigate
3⁄4 cup unsweetened cashew milk, (or any unsweetened milk, dairy free or otherwise)
1 cup avocado oil-based mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Natural Grocers Brand Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
2 teaspoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Dried Organic Dill Weed
1⁄2 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Onion Granules
3⁄4 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Garlic Granules
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Ground Black Pepper
1 1⁄2 teaspoons Natural Grocers® Brand Bulk Real Salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons Natural Grocers Brand Organic Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup
1 pint organic grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
5 organic green onions, finely diced
2 organic romaine lettuce hearts, (about 4 cups chopped)
1 organic avocado
1⁄2 cup finely chopped organic flat leaf parsley, (optional)

Note: To make this recipe plant-based, simply sub the mayo with Veganaise and choose your favorite vegan bacon alternative.

  1. Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the bacon starts to brown, reduce heat to low to prevent the bacon from burning and continue to cook until it is crispy and brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  2. While the bacon cooks, place a pot of water for the pasta on the stovetop. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside until you are ready to assemble the ingredients.
  3. To make the dressing, whisk together the cashew milk, mayonnaise, vinegar, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.  
  4. Add the pasta, tomatoes, and green onion to a large serving bowl and toss with ¾ of the dressing, reserving the rest. Chill the salad for 5-10 minutes while completing step 5.
  5. While the salad chills, rinse, spin, and chop the lettuce, cut the avocado into bite-size pieces, and finely chop the parsley if using.
  6. Just before serving, add the bacon, lettuce, avocado, and parsley to the pasta and gently toss to combine. Add the remaining dressing if needed, or offer it at the table. Serve immediately.

Wine Pairing

Recommended Wine Style: Rosé

  • Frey Vineyards Rosé