Gluten-Free Avocado BLT Pasta Salad
A dairy-free and egg-free pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado with vegan mayo dressing. The avocado and chives are added just before serving to maintain texture. Serve at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing meal-prep option.
Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free short pasta, cooked
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1 12-oz package bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 carton cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 romaine lettuce heart, washed and chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ⅝ cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- salt(optional)
- pepper(optional)
- fresh chives, minced(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Boil the pasta until al dente following package directions. Rinse in cold water and drain well, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Cook bacon either in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, turning until both sides are crisp, or on a foil-lined cookie sheet in the oven at 425 for 12-15 minutes until crisp.
- 3
Drain cooked bacon on paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, crumble and add to the pasta bowl.
- 4
Wash and chop the lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add to the pasta bowl.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the red onion, vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Thin with rice milk if needed.
- 6
Add dressing to the salad starting with half and tossing well, adding more until desired coating is reached.
- 7
Cube the avocado and mince the chives. Top the salad with avocado and chives just before serving.
Tips
Reserve extra dressing if refrigerating for several hours, as the pasta absorbs dressing and can dry out
Add avocado and chives just before serving to prevent browning and maintain texture
Good to Know
Covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Pasta absorbs dressing over time.
Prepare all components except avocado and chives up to 1 day ahead. Assemble and dress no more than 2 hours before serving, or reserve extra dressing to refresh before serving.
Immediately at room temperature, or chilled. Works well for meal prep.
Common Mistakes
Do not add avocado and chives until just before serving to avoid browning and texture loss
Do not skip draining the pasta well to prevent a soggy salad
Do not dress the entire amount at once early on; the pasta will become dry and over-dressed as it sits
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
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