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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy creamy bacon ranch pasta salad that is perfect for summer sides, combining smoky bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and fresh veggies for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 2 cups (130 g) celery, finely chopped
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 strips of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Save a little bacon fat if you want to add extra flavor to the salad, but it’s optional.
  3. Chop 2 cups (130 g) celery into small pieces and thinly slice 4 scallions. Halve 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes if using.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing, ½ cup (120 g) sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning gradually and taste as you go.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, celery, scallions, and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, give it a quick toss and check for seasoning.

Notes

For dairy-free, swap sour cream and ranch dressing with dairy-free alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes improves flavor melding. If salad thickens in fridge, stir in a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing before serving. Crisp bacon well but avoid burning for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, summer side dish, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-refreshing-summer-side/