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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: Quick, Creamy Bliss for BBQs

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, creamy dish perfect for summer BBQs, featuring crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and vibrant veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta any small pasta shape like bowtie or shells
  • 6 strips Bacon turkey bacon can be used for a healthier option
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes can substitute with diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas corn or finely chopped cucumbers can be great substitutes
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese feta or dairy-free cheese can be used
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayo Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version
  • 1 packet Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix homemade seasoning can be fresher
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can be used for an extra kick
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper adjust according to taste
  • 1/4 cup Milk almond or oat milk can work as alternatives

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • large bowl
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions (7-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and then crumble.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayo, dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in milk until creamy.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and toss until well-coated.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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