Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad features al dente bowtie pasta combined with fresh chopped romaine, diced tomatoes, scallions, and distinctive cheeses like cheddar and Colby jack. The salad gains added texture and flavor from the crispy bacon, which is incorporated last to preserve its crunch. The ranch dressing uses sour cream and mayonnaise as a creamy base, enhanced with garlic, dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and hot sauce for subtle heat. Tossed together, it creates a balanced dish with creamy, savory, and fresh notes. Adding bacon just before serving ensures it stays crisp, perfect for serving chilled and complementing warm-weather meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 8 lices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2-3 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup diced tomato plus extra to taste
- 1/3-1/2 cup scallions chopped
- 2-3 oz medium cheddar cheese cubed, Cabot brand
- 2-3 oz Colby jack cheese or feel free to swap for more cheddar, cubed, brand Cabot
EASY HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk (2%, whole, or buttermilk)
- 1 clove garlic (smashed, peeled, and minced - approx. 1/2-3/4 tsp)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp dill dried
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup scallion finely chopped, or chives
- 1/8-1/4 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- First whisk together your dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk well until smooth. Place in the fridge to chill while you make your pasta salad.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once tender, drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta boils, cook bacon via your favorite method and crumble once cooled.
- Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and scallions. Chop your Cabot cheese into small cubes.
- Add everything but the bacon to a large bowl and toss to coat. For that coveted crispy bacon experience, add bacon just before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarians can substitute plant-based crispy bacon bits to replicate the bacon texture and flavor.
- Nutrition information is estimated and can vary; adjust ingredients to taste and dietary needs.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 356 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 356kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 453mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 235mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1145IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 129mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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