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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A creamy and crunchy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy ranch dressing with cottage cheese for extra smoothness. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or your favorite short pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream (full-fat)
  • ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives or green onions
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts 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 under cold water to cool. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, place 8 slices thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy (about 10-12 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cottage cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, whisk vigorously until creamy.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and finely chop red onion. Add to the bowl with cooled pasta.
  5. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Fold in crispy bacon pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives or green onions, and dill if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Crisp bacon is essential for texture contrast. Blend cottage cheese for a smoother dressing. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt and omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-summer-side-dish/