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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for Gatherings and Picnics

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, creamy, and customizable dish perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 23 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rotini Pasta You can substitute any pasta shape or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise For a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream You can use more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
  • 1 packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix Try making your own seasoning mix if you prefer.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can offer a bolder taste if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Milk Buttermilk can be used for a tangier kick.
For the Salad
  • 8 slices Cooked Bacon Swap with turkey bacon or use a vegetarian alternative like smoked tempeh.
  • 1 medium Tomato Feel free to use cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Black Olives Omit if you prefer a simpler salad or substitute with capers.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Any cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack can work well too.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add rotini pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in cooked bacon, diced tomato, sliced black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If possible, let it chill overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor. Always let your pasta cool before dressing it to maintain creaminess.

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