Description
Cool summer picnics welcome bacon ranch pasta salad as a crowd-pleasing classic that combines crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and fresh vegetables. Hungry guests will devour this simple, satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) diced cucumber
- ½ cup (75 g) diced red onion
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then rapidly cool in ice water to stop cooking. Drain completely and set aside.
- Dressing Creation: Blend ranch, sour cream, lemon juice, and seasonings into a smooth, well-balanced sauce. Taste and adjust flavors as needed for optimal zestiness.
- Ingredient Assembly: Combine cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled bacon in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and textural base.
- Flavor Fusion: Gently fold dressing into the pasta mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly and generously coated without crushing delicate components.
- Chilling and Garnishing: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify. Before serving, garnish with fresh green onions or chopped parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Pasta Precision: Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring it maintains a slight bite and holds dressing well without becoming soggy.
- Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon separately and cool completely before adding to prevent soggy texture and preserve its crunchy, smoky character.
- Dressing Dynamics: Prepare dressing ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
- Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free options, use turkey bacon for lighter version, or substitute ranch with Greek yogurt-based dressing for healthier alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg