Description

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is packed with irresistible flavors. With crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and colorful veggies, it’s a delightful option for quick meals or potlucks. Enjoy this easy homemade dish at your next gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces rotini pasta
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 orange bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
¼ teaspoon black pepper
salt to taste

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Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until fully cooled. Place in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
Add the cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, peas, orange bell pepper, red onion, and optional fresh herbs to the pasta.
Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Garnish with additional bacon, herbs, or cheddar cheese as desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or carrots for extra crunch.
This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made a day in advance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg