Description
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and hearty rotini pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup diced celery (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the cooled pasta to the creamy dressing and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Fold in the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, celery (if using), and chopped parsley. Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to set. When ready to serve, give the salad one final gentle toss and enjoy!
Notes
Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream for a healthier option. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon. Adding more fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance nutritional value.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg