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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh veggies for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup sliced green onions or chives
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy—about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, finely chop ½ cup red onion, and slice ½ cup green onions or chives. If using, shred ½ cup cheddar cheese. Combine veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup ranch dressing, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Add the cooled pasta and chopped bacon to the bowl with veggies. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best to avoid mushiness. Cool pasta completely before mixing to prevent watery dressing. Crisp bacon adds essential smoky crunch. Toss gently to avoid breaking pasta. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes improves flavor melding. Add a splash more ranch if salad seems dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, potluck recipe, picnic food, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-veggies-delight/