Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines bowtie pasta with crunchy romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, scallions, and cubed cheddar and Colby jack cheeses. Cooked, crumbled bacon is added just before serving to maintain its crispness. The homemade ranch dressing, made with sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic, dill, and a touch of hot sauce, ties everything together with a creamy, tangy flavor. This salad offers a mix of textures, from tender pasta to crisp bacon and crunchy vegetables, making it suitable for potlucks or casual meals.
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 356
% 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.