Craving a quick, delicious meal that combines the creamy indulgence of ranch dressing, the crispy goodness of bacon, and the comforting texture of cheese tortellini? Look no further! This Tortellini Bacon Ranch Salad is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the recipe. In just 25 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and are tender.
- Drain tortellini in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- While tortellini cools, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove bacon from skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Pour ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly cooked and crisp bacon. Allow it to cool slightly before crumbling to maintain its crunchy texture.
- Choose high-quality refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best taste. Fresh pasta makes a significant difference in the overall dish.
- To keep the salad crisp, add the lettuce and tomatoes just before serving to prevent wilting.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or substitute ranch with a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like diced cucumber, red onion, or even some grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Always rinse tortellini with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
