Description
A delicious and creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat pasta and use a light ranch dressing.
- Add in diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg