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Creamy Loaded Pasta Salad with Ranch and Bacon

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup diced cucumber, peeled if preferred
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice ½ cup cucumber, finely chop ½ cup red onion, and slice ½ cup black olives if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup ranch dressing, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the warm pasta, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and all the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until well coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Toss gently before serving and add more ranch if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use low-fat ranch dressing. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diets. If the salad feels dry after chilling, add a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing. Adding chopped green onions or celery before serving adds extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch dressing, bacon, summer BBQ, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-loaded-pasta-salad-with-ranch-and-bacon-easy-recipe-for-summer-bbqs/