Recipe: BLTA Pasta Salad
Looking for the perfect dish to pair with your favorite bottle of Dutton Ranch Chardonnay? This creamy, savory BLTA Pasta Salad brings together crispy bacon, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, and arugula with a tangy buttermilk dressing—all flavors that shine alongside the bright acidity and citrus backbone of our Dutton Ranch Chardonnay. Grown in the cool-climate vineyards of Sonoma County, these sustainably farmed vines deliver the balance and freshness that elevate this crowd-pleasing dish from backyard casual to wine country worthy.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
8 -10oz dry short pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled or roasted chicken works best)
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 avocado, diced
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into small, bite size
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup pickled red onions or red onion, chopped
¼ cup chives, chopped
¼ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Dressing:
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional but highly recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey/maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, romaine lettuce, feta cheese, red onions, chives and parsley.
4. Dress & Toss: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
5. Enjoy with a chilled glass of Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay!
Why This Pairs Well with Chardonnay:
Russian River Valley Chardonnays are known for their bright acidity, lush fruit (apple, pear, stone fruit), and balanced oak influence (vanilla, baking spice, and a hint of creaminess). These characteristics make it a fantastic partner for the BLTA Pasta Salad:
Bacon: The smoky, fatty richness is cut by the Chardonnay’s acidity and complemented by its subtle oak and cream notes.
Tomatoes: Their sweet-tart nature resonates with the wine’s fresh fruitiness, especially citrus and orchard fruits.
Avocado: The creamy texture of avocado harmonizes with the smooth, sometimes buttery texture of the Chardonnay.
Greens/Herbs: The peppery or fresh green notes (romaine and herbs) bring out the lively freshness in the wine.
Pasta & Dressing: The pasta soaks up the creamy mustard vinaigrette, creating a rich but tangy mouthfeel that mirrors the wine’s balance of richness and acid.
Recipe Prepared by: Rachel Thralls, Certified Sommelier
