Print

Creamy BLT Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

creamy blt bacon ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh veggies, perfect for potlucks or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or your favorite short pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup chopped crisp romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Fresh chopped chives or parsley
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels, cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Save some bacon fat if desired for sautéing onions.
  3. Prepare veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, chop romaine lettuce, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion if using. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Place drained pasta in a large bowl. Add half the dressing and gently toss while pasta is still warm to absorb flavors. Let cool to room temperature.
  6. Fold in cherry tomatoes, romaine, cucumber, red onion, and chopped bacon. Stir gently.
  7. Pour remaining dressing over salad and toss until well coated. Add shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs if using, and mix gently.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  9. Before serving, stir salad, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed. Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon on top if desired.

Notes

Toss pasta with dressing while warm to absorb flavors better. Keep some bacon aside to sprinkle on top before serving to maintain crispiness. Baking bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes is an easy alternative to stovetop cooking. Soaking onions in cold water can reduce sharpness. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, bacon ranch pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-blt-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-veggies/