Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 hrs
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
6
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad, Lunch, Others
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Cuisine
American, International
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad features tri-color rotini pasta cooked al dente and cooled before mixing with a dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch mix, garlic powder, and milk. The addition of cooked bacon pieces, fresh diced tomato, sliced black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese provides savory and tangy notes with varied textures. Chilling the salad for at least two hours allows flavors to meld and the dish to cool, making it a refreshing option amidst rich ingredients.
The creamy dressing balances the smoky bacon and sharp cheddar, while olives and tomatoes add brightness. This salad works well as a side dish at barbecues or casual gatherings where its cold, creamy character complements grilled or fried foods.
For best texture, use pre-cooked bacon pieces or cook your own before adding, and toss with a little extra milk if the salad thickens in the fridge. This ensures the salad remains moist and easy to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 ounces) rotini pasta tri-color
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing mix seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 lices Bacon see notes below, cooked, chopped
- 1 large tomato diced
- 1 can (4.25 ounces) black olives sliced, drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain water. Rinse pasta with cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch mix, garlic powder and milk. Add pasta, cooked bacon pieces, tomato, olives and cheese to the bowl. Gently toss to combine everything.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Using pre-cooked bacon pieces saves cooking time and effort.
- If the salad appears dry after refrigeration, stirring in a small amount of milk can restore creaminess.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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