BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Chive Ranch Dressing

The Easiest Healthy BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Chive Ranch Dressing. Our family’s favorite pasta salad for every occasion and secretly protein-packed.

Okay this one… I mean. I don’t even know where to start because I am so in love with this recipe. We’ve been making this BLT Pasta Salad on repeat lately, and it’s one of those meals that just hits. You know what I mean? Like the second it hits the table, someone’s already grabbing a fork to sneak a bite.

It’s everything you want in a summer recipe—refreshing, flavorful, satisfying, and it’s got bacon. Enough said, right?

But seriously, this isn’t your average pasta salad. We’re taking the classic BLT vibes (bacon, lettuce, tomato… in this case, subbing in avocado because YUM), tossing them with perfectly cooked pasta, sweet corn, creamy cheddar, and then absolutely drowning everything in this dreamy homemade creamy basil chive ranch. That dressing is next level and so easy to make—you just blend it all together.

Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Pasta Salad

This isn’t a boring side dish you forget about halfway through the BBQ. This is the pasta salad that disappears before the burgers are even off the grill.

Here’s why we’re obsessed:

• Packed with real, simple ingredients: No bottled dressing, no weird additives. Just whole foods that taste good and make you feel good.

• Customizable: Swap the pasta, skip the dairy, add grilled chicken—this recipe is super flexible.

• Kid-friendly: All three of my boys love this one. Even Ezra, who’s not always the biggest fan of green things, gets excited when he sees this on the table.

• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

And the best part? It’s one of those meals that feels super indulgent but still totally balanced. You’ve got protein, fiber, healthy fats, and a ton of flavor all in one bowl.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s everything you need to make this BLT pasta salad magic happen. Most of this you probably already have on hand:

For the Salad:

• Small-shaped pasta of choice

• Cooked corn kernels – grilled corn is amazing here—leftovers are perfect

• Organic cherry tomatoes, cut in halves

• Avocado, sliced

• Cheddar cheese

• Cooked bacon – crispy is key

For the Creamy Basil Chive Ranch:

• Cottage cheese – adds creaminess and protein

• Greek yogurt – full fat if possible—so rich and delicious

• Milk – whatever kind you love!

• Fresh basil

• Fresh chives

• Garlic cloves, peeled

This dressing is the secret weapon here. It’s creamy, herby, and has that little garlicky zing that takes everything to the next level.

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water—it’s the only chance you get to season the pasta itself. Once it’s al dente, drain it and let it cool completely. (Hot pasta will make your avocado mushy, and we don’t want that.)
2. Make the ranch dressing: While your pasta is cooking or cooling, throw all the dressing ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend until super creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This dressing is also amazing on salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies, so you might want to double it!
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cheddar, and bacon. Pour the creamy basil chive ranch on top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Serve and enjoy: Serve it up right away or pop it in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors get even better as it chills!

Tips for Success

• Use a small-shaped pasta: Think fusilli, rotini, elbows, shells—anything that gives the dressing something to cling to.

• Chill it before serving: This pasta salad is amazing cold, and it also gives the flavors time to meld together.

• Don’t skip the fresh herbs: The basil and chives make the dressing so vibrant and fresh—dried just won’t have the same effect here.

• Add-ins are welcome: Hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, arugula, spinach, or cucumbers would all be amazing here.

• Meal prep tip: If you’re making this ahead for lunches, add the avocado and bacon right before serving so they stay fresh.

Why Cottage Cheese?

Okay let’s talk about the elephant in the room—cottage cheese in the dressing?! YES.

Before you give me the side-eye, trust me on this. Blended cottage cheese is super creamy, high in protein, and basically flavorless once it’s mixed with the basil and garlic. You’d never know it’s in there, and it gives the dressing the most velvety texture without needing mayo or sour cream.

It’s one of my favorite sneaky swaps in recipes like this—totally kid-approved and dietitian-loved.

Make It Your Own

This BLT pasta salad is totally customizable based on your preferences or what you have in the fridge. Here are some ways to switch things up:

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon or use a plant-based version.

• Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs.

• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese, and skip the cottage cheese (sub in mashed avocado or a cashew cream instead).

• Go gluten-free: Use a GF pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta.

Honestly, there’s no wrong way to make this salad. It’s all about using what you love and making it work for your family.

What to Serve with BLT Pasta Salad

This salad is hearty enough to be a main dish on its own, but also plays really well as a side for:

• Grilled chicken or burgers

• Pulled BBQ chicken or pork sandwiches

• A big fruit salad and some crusty bread

• Summer veggie skewers

Or honestly, just grab a fork and dig in. That’s usually how we do it around here.

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to not eat the entire bowl in one sitting (you’ve got willpower!), here’s how to store it:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but it’ll still taste great.

• Make-ahead tip: Wait to add the avocado and bacon until right before serving for the best texture.

The Bottom Line

This BLT Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Chive Ranch is one of those game-changing recipes. It’s simple but feels a little fancy, packed with flavor, and loved by adults and kids alike. It’s the perfect thing to bring to a picnic, serve at a summer BBQ, or keep in the fridge for easy meals all week.

And let’s be honest—bacon + avocado + pasta? That combo never misses. And if your little ones love it too, send me a message—those are always my favorite to read 🫶

Happy cooking, and happy summer!