Avocado BLT Pasta Salad

 ADVICE FROM A SUNFLOWER

Be bright, sunny, and positive

Stand tall and proud

Keep on growing

Drink plenty of water

Spread seeds of happiness

Embrace your natural beauty

Always follow the sunshine 

Avocado BLT Pasta Salad

Cook's Notes: A pasta salad I found perfect for late summer dining. Who doesn't love a classic BLT!

closetcooking.com was the starting point for this recipe, as I put my own spin on it. The ingredients below are enough for three servings, but you can easily increase them to serve more. A word of caution: add diced avocados to the salad right before serving so they look fresh and not brown. The salad can stand alone as a meal or be served with a grilled dish.  

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pasta (use your favorite kind)
• 5 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3-4 cups spinach leaves, stems removed (romaine lettuce works well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Croutons
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 avocado, diced
• Guacamole dressing recipe below

Guacamole Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup prepared Ranch dressing (a favorite Kens Steak House) 
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced into large chunks
• A small squeeze of a lime

Pasta Salad Directions:

• Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse.
• Cook bacon and drain on a lined paper towel plate.
• Remove stems from spinach leaves.
• Dice tomatoes and cucumber. 
• Toss with dressing and refrigerate for two hours.
• Top with diced avocados and croutons. 

Dressing Directions:

• Add ranch dressing and chopped avocados with a squeeze of lime in a blender. 
• Mix well and refrigerate until needed. 
  

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