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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Crowd-Pleaser

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, tasty dish featuring rotini, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound rotini pasta This fun shape holds the creamy dressing perfectly for a delightful bite!
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise The base that adds richness and creaminess.
  • ½ cup sour cream Provides tangy flavor.
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix Brings the signature zesty flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder Adds depth and warmth.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder Enhances savory flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper Raises flavor level.
For the Add-Ins
  • 8 slices bacon Cooked and crumbled for crispy, salty crunch.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds cheesy richness.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Juicy sweetness.
  • ½ red onion Finely diced for crunch and flavor.
  • ½ cup green onions Adds mild pungency.
  • ½ cup diced celery Optional for extra crunch.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Add cooled pasta to the dressing and gently toss to coat.
  4. Fold in crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, and celery. Mix gently.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and give a gentle toss. Serve in a large bowl or individual plates.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Mix dressing well to avoid clumps. Chilling the salad enhances flavor and texture. Customize with additional vegetables or cheeses if desired.

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