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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A Must-Try Summer Side

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines savory flavors and textures, making it a perfect summer side dish for gatherings and potlucks.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner Ideas
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound rotini pasta a fun shape that holds the dressing well
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise provides a creamy base
  • ½ cup sour cream adds tanginess
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix signature ranch flavor
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder elevates taste with depth
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder complements seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper adds spice
For the Toss-Ins
  • 1 cup crumbled bacon for crunch
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese creamy and cheesy
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved for freshness
  • ½ medium red onion finely diced
  • ½ cup chopped green onions mild flavor
  • ½ cup diced celery optional for crunch
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Steps
  1. Boil salted water in a large pot, add rotini pasta, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Combine cooled pasta with the dressing in the mixing bowl and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Fold in bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, and celery if using. Gently mix without breaking the pasta.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and toss gently.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and is best chilled. Stir in a splash of milk or additional dressing before serving if needed.

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