Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients except for the avocado and dressing up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to eat, add the avocado and toss everything with the dressing for peak freshness.

What should I do if I don’t like arugula?

No worries at all! Substitute with baby spinach, chopped romaine, or mixed greens. You can even go lighter with iceberg or butter lettuce—just use what you love.

Can I use a bottled dressing instead of making it from scratch?

Definitely—if time is tight, a good quality bottled Ranch or herby vinaigrette works wonderfully. Homemade is extra tasty, but shortcuts are sometimes a lifesaver on busy nights!

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

If you’re prepping in advance, toss the avocado pieces with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before mixing in. This slows browning and keeps those creamy chunks vibrant for longer.

BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado Recipe

There’s just something downright magical about a dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious to eat, and BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado is a shining example. Imagine crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and creamy avocado tumbling together with perfectly al dente pasta and a cool, tangy dressing—this is salad, pasta, and comfort food all rolled into one! Thanks to simple prep and minimal cook time, it’s the perfect option for weeknight dinners, effortless lunches, or those backyard gatherings when you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Fuss-Free: You can have this whole salad ready—from prep to table—in under 40 minutes. Seriously, most of that time is just waiting for the pasta to cook!
Incredible Flavors & Textures: Every bite pops with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, and juicy tomatoes. That fresh, tangy dressing pulls it all together.
Meal-Prep Dream: It holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes just as vibrant the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Super Customizable: Swap in your favorite greens, use whatever pasta shape you’ve got, or experiment with the dressing—this salad has serious mix-and-match potential.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving picky eaters or the most adventurous foodies, this is a guaranteed table favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It doesn’t take much to build big flavors. Here’s what goes into this irresistible BLT Pasta Salad:

Short Pasta Noodles: Shells, farfalle, or cavatappi are all perfect choices since they catch the dressing in every crevice. Choose your favorite bite-sized shape for best results!
Bacon: Classic, smoky bacon brings that signature BLT flavor. Cook until just crisp; it holds up better in the salad and adds the perfect crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Little bursts of sweetness and acidity. For best flavor, slice in half to let the juices mingle with the dressing.
Arugula Leaves: Brings peppery freshness and a light bite. If you prefer a milder green, baby spinach or mixed greens work well too.
Avocado: Creamy, dreamy texture that makes every forkful extra luscious. Be sure to add it last and toss gently to avoid mashing it.
Red Onion: A little sharpness to balance the creamy and rich notes. Thinly sliced for subtle crunch.
Greek Yogurt (Plain): For a creamy base in the dressing with a healthy twist. Low-fat or full-fat both work.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and traditional flavor to the dressing.
White Vinegar: Brightens and balances the creamy base.
Fresh Chives & Parsley: Fresh herbs for a pop of color and layer of fresh flavor.
Garlic Powder: A subtle, savory undertone.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything to life.
Optional: If short on time, a high-quality bottled Ranch dressing can save the day.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Get creative—this salad is great for tweaking to your taste or what you have on hand.

Greens Galore: Swap arugula with baby spinach, mixed greens, or even romaine if you like extra crunch.
Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, rotisserie turkey, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
Cheese Please: Crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or shaved parmesan are all delicious add-ins.
Dressing Swaps: Try buttermilk ranch, a simple lemon vinaigrette, or add a spoonful of Dijon for a tangy twist.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon, and toss in extra avocado or tempeh bacon for veg-friendly crunch.

How to Make BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Boil your favorite short pasta noodles in a large pot of salted water just until al dente—firm but tender is what you’re after. Drain it well and rinse under cool water, which stops the cooking and prevents sticking. Tip it all into a big mixing bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the pasta works its magic, chop bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until lovely and crisp. Drain on paper towels for that irresistible crunch without excess grease.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion. Don’t forget to gently pat dry any moisture for the best salad texture.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, white vinegar, chives, parsley, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Want it thinner? Add a splash of milk, water, or buttermilk until you reach the texture you love.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooked bacon, tomatoes, arugula, avocado, and red onion to the bowl with the pasta. Drizzle the dressing all over and gently toss until everything is just coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Pop the salad in the fridge for about 10 minutes if you have the time. Serve chilled for ultimate refreshment, or straight away if you can’t wait.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Creamy and Fresh Avocado: For that dreamy texture, make sure your avocado is ripe but not mushy. Add it last to keep it from breaking down.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: A bit of bite will hold up best in the salad, especially if you make it in advance.
Let Bacon Cool before Mixing: Mixing while hot can wilt the greens too much and melt the avocado.
Customize the Dressing: If Greek yogurt isn’t your thing, use all mayonnaise or swap in sour cream for a tangy edge.
Keep an Eye on Salt: Remember, bacon and mayo can both be salty, so always taste before adding more salt.

How to Serve

This BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado shines on its own, but a few additions can take it even further:

Dinner Side: It’s absolutely perfect next to grilled chicken, burgers, or seared salmon.
Lunch Main: Portion into meal-prep containers for a grab-and-go lunch that doesn’t get soggy.
Picnic Partner: Bring to potlucks, BBQs, or family reunions—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Garnish: A final sprinkle of extra chives, black pepper, or a few shavings of parmesan brings it all together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad keeps for up to two days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you know you’ll have extras, store the avocado and dressing separately and mix just before serving for the freshest texture.

Freezing

This pasta salad isn’t a good candidate for the freezer. The fresh veggies and avocado just don’t thaw well and can turn mushy.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is at its best served cold or at room temperature. If prepping ahead, give it a gentle toss just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients except for the avocado and dressing up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to eat, add the avocado and toss everything with the dressing for peak freshness.
What should I do if I don’t like arugula?

No worries at all! Substitute with baby spinach, chopped romaine, or mixed greens. You can even go lighter with iceberg or butter lettuce—just use what you love.
Can I use a bottled dressing instead of making it from scratch?

Definitely—if time is tight, a good quality bottled Ranch or herby vinaigrette works wonderfully. Homemade is extra tasty, but shortcuts are sometimes a lifesaver on busy nights!
How do I keep the avocado from browning?

If you’re prepping in advance, toss the avocado pieces with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before mixing in. This slows browning and keeps those creamy chunks vibrant for longer.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—easy, endlessly flexible, and downright crave-worthy every time. The play of crispy bacon, savory dressing, and cool, creamy avocado just can’t be beat. Whether you’re looking for a busy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, give this fresh, fabulous recipe a try—you just might find it becomes your new favorite too!