Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds? This bacon ranch pasta salad is a perfect blend of creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables that come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 400 calories, 25g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 12g protein, and 2g fiber. This breakdown is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and celery.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.
4. Pour ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
9. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
10. Enjoy your delicious bacon ranch pasta salad!
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize this pasta salad by substituting the bacon with turkey bacon or using a vegan ranch dressing for a lighter option. Swap in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for added crunch and flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This bacon ranch pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or as a standalone dish for a light lunch. It’s a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue or picnic spread.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. For longer storage, it can be frozen, but the texture may change when thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to maintain a good texture.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Don’t skip the chilling time; it enhances the flavors significantly.
- Be cautious with salt, as bacon and ranch dressing are already salty.
- Mix the ingredients gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different dressings for variety.
- Chill the salad overnight for even better taste.
- Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch dressing is also gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole grain pasta for added nutrition.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can include vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
Conclusion
This bacon ranch pasta salad is not only a breeze to prepare, but it also bursts with flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or a quick meal, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, crunchy delight!
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 6 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and celery.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.
- Pour ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Enjoy your delicious bacon ranch pasta salad!