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Loaded Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for gatherings and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (seeded)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, as needed

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside in the colander to drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble once cool enough to handle.
  3. Dice 1 cup cucumber (seeded), halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and slice 1/2 cup green onions thinly. Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped vegetables, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in 1 cup ranch dressing and gently toss everything to coat evenly.
  5. Taste the salad and add freshly ground black pepper and salt if needed. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta briefly to stop cooking but avoid over-rinsing to help dressing cling. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for crispiness. Toss salad gently to avoid mashing ingredients. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Add fresh herbs and cheese just before serving for freshness. Save some bacon grease to sauté green onions for extra smoky flavor. Substitute gluten-free pasta or vegan ranch dressing for dietary needs.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/loaded-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-fresh-veggie-twist/