Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.9
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
The salad begins with cooked tri-color pasta tossed in a smooth ranch dressing made from mayonnaise, dry ranch salad mix, garlic powder, garlic pepper, and milk. After chilling to develop flavor and thicken the dressing, crisp bacon pieces, fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and shredded cheddar cheese are folded in. This layering provides a balance of tang, crunch, and creamy richness.
Its texture is creamy yet varied, thanks to the combination of soft pasta, crunchy vegetables, and crispy bacon. The ranch seasoning and garlic elements give the salad a familiar, savory flavor profile. The salad is best served cold but can be gently loosened with a splash of milk if it thickens too much after refrigeration.
This pasta salad works well as a side dish for barbecues, family gatherings, or casual meals. The presence of bacon and cheese makes it hearty enough to be enjoyed alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet.
Notes mention the salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise, and it stores best in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Various vegetables can be added or omitted according to preference, with cucumber providing a recommended crunch and color.
Ingredients
- 1 tri-color pasta uncooked, 12 oz package
- 5 lices Bacon cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ranch salad dressing mix dry, envelope
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 cucumber chopped into 1/4 moon slices, small
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, making sure not to overcook. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and garlic pepper. Stir in the milk until mixture is nice and smooth.
- Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the dressing mixture, and stir to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, add in the chopped bacon, veggies, and cheese, and toss to coat. You can also add a splash of milk to smooth the pasta salad out as needed.
Notes
- Customize by adding or omitting vegetables; cucumber adds crunch and color.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to enhance flavor.
- Do not freeze the prepared salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate upon thawing.
- Keep stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 392 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 392kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 507mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 202mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 240IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4.4mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 110mg | 11% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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