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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A creamy, smoky, and tangy pasta salad perfect for summer BBQs, combining rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a homemade ranch-inspired dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta (or elbow macaroni)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon dried ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in the colander to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon over medium heat in a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion (if using), and slice 1/4 cup fresh chives or green onions. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon dried ranch seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Add salt and black pepper to taste. If the dressing feels too thick, whisk in 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth and pourable.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped veggies, and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick stir and sprinkle extra chives or green onions on top.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best. Cook bacon evenly until crisp. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Adjust dressing consistency with milk or mayo if needed. Prep pasta and bacon ahead to save time. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking pasta or bruising veggies. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, use appropriate substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, summer BBQ, creamy pasta salad, rotini pasta, picnic dish, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-last-summer-bbq/