Description
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish, it’s easy to prepare and offers a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh tastes served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (about 2 cups)
Bacon
- 6 slices bacon
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set it aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble into small pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked pasta that has been thoroughly cooled to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Add other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, use a low-fat ranch or Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
