Description

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delicious mix of flavors, featuring rotini pasta, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for potlucks or as a side dish. Enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite!

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 pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it completely. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
Combine the bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, peas, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh herbs with the pasta.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Before serving, garnish with additional bacon, herbs, or cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or add extra spices for a kick.
For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
This pasta salad can be made a day in advance for even more flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg