Are you ready to elevate your pasta salad game to a whole new level? Dive into the deliciousness of our Bacon Tomato Ranch Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of savory bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing that will have your taste buds dancing! Whether you're preparing for a summer picnic, a potluck, or just a delightful family dinner, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress. With just 25 minutes of total prep and cook time, you’ll be serving up a crowd-pleaser that’s as vibrant as it is tasty. Don’t miss out on the chance to make this irresistible dish that everyone will be raving about!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of rotini pasta to the pot.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- After the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Add 1/2 cup of ranch dressing to the pasta mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta and other ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions for added flavor and color. Mix gently to combine.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Bacon Tomato Ranch Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: Be sure to cook the rotini pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. This will help maintain a pleasant texture in your salad.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: For the best flavor, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow your pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to get creative! Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or switch up the dressing for a twist on flavor. You can even substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container, and enjoy it throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 316kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
