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Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad
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5 stars from 4 reviews

Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad

Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad is a delicious summer pasta salad recipe! It's full of bacon, tomatoes, avocado, all topped with a tangy, creamy dressing!
Author: Donna Elick
Servings: 6
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (about 3 cups dry)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved (about 5 ounces)
  • 2 medium avocados cubed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion (about ½ small onion)

Creamy Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

  • COOK PASTA: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
  • PREP INGREDIENTS: While the pasta cools, dice ½ cup red onion, halve 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cube 2 medium avocados, and crumble 8 slices cooked bacon.
  • MAKE DRESSING: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  • ASSEMBLE SALAD: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, and red onion. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
  • CHILL: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Stir just before serving to refresh the dressing and flavors.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Best made the same day you plan to serve it. To prep ahead, cook the pasta and bacon up to 1 day in advance, then combine with fresh avocado and dressing just before chilling.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado may darken slightly but remains delicious.
Freezing: Not recommended—this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Ingredient Tip: For extra tang, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 336cal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 342mg | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 5g | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg