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+ servings
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 23 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Tri-Color Rotini Pasta Any pasta shape can be substituted.
  • 6 slices Cooked Bacon Can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 large Tomato Cherry tomatoes or bell peppers can be used.
  • 1 can Canned Black Olives Green olives can be used or omitted.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Crumbled feta can be used or omitted.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can replace with additional mayo or Greek yogurt.
  • 1 packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix Homemade ranch seasoning can be used.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can serve as an alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Almond milk or buttermilk are excellent substitutes.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook it for about 8 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and milk until the mixture is smooth. Ensure it's thoroughly blended and free of lumps.
  3. Once the pasta is cool, gently fold it into the prepared dressing. Add the crispy cooked bacon, diced tomato, sliced black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for potlucks or summer picnics and holds its flavors for hours.

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