Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
The Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines cooked pasta with a dressing featuring mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix, creating a tangy, creamy base. Shredded carrot and peas contribute sweetness and a fresh bite, while bacon bits introduce a smoky, savory contrast. The pasta is rinsed under cold water after cooking to halt cooking and remove excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring the salad maintains a light texture.
After mixing all ingredients, the salad is chilled for at least two hours to develop flavor harmony and firmness. This salad works well as a chilled side dish for gatherings or as a make-ahead item. Adding diced onion, celery, cheese, or pickles can customize the dish.
Proper storage in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps the salad fresh for up to five days. If the salad dries out, additional mayonnaise can be stirred in before serving. Serving the pasta cold with firm dressing slows mayonnaise absorption, preserving texture. Attention to hygiene and temperature control is important since mayonnaise-based salads can spoil if left out too long, especially in warm conditions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup peas thawed, frozen
- 1 cup carrot shredded
- ½ cup bacon bits real
- 2 packets ranch seasoning mix 1 ounce each, dry
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to directions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
- In a large bowl combine other ingredients. Stir in pasta and combine well. Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to cool and remove starch, preventing mushiness and clumping.
- Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend and the salad to firm up.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- If salad begins to dry out, add a bit more mayonnaise before serving to restore creaminess.
- Limit time the salad sits out at room temperature to 2 hours to prevent spoilage, especially on hot days.
- Add-ins like diced onion, celery, or cheese can be included for extra flavor and texture variety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 476 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 476kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 802mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 328mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 4301IU | 86% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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