Name: Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini or medium shell pasta; 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1/2 cup finely chopped celery; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 1 1/2 cups good quality ranch dressing; 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk (optional, for extra creaminess); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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This is an easy, make-ahead pasta salad featuring creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. It is a perfect side dish for potlucks, BBQs, and summer cookouts.

Author: purejoyalex
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound rotini or medium shell pasta
1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 1/2 cups good quality ranch dressing
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, milk or buttermilk (if using), garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta and mix-ins are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend. This makes it a great make-ahead pasta salad.
Before serving, taste the salad. If it seems too thick after chilling, stir in 1 to 2 more tablespoons of ranch dressing or milk to restore creaminess.
Serve cold as a side dish for your next BBQ or potluck.

Notes

For a Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad variation, add 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken breast.
If you are making this ahead of time, reserve a small amount of extra ranch dressing to stir in just before serving, as the pasta absorbs moisture while chilling.
Use a high-quality, thick ranch dressing for the best flavor in this creamy ranch pasta salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 650
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 14
Cholesterol: 35

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/ranch-pasta-salad-creamy-bacon-recipe/