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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A creamy, smoky, and tangy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, homemade ranch dressing, and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 pint (about 300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions or diced celery (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices thick-cut bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned but not burnt, about 8-12 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat if desired.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup buttermilk until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, plus 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 10-15 minutes if possible.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, chop fresh chives or parsley, shred cheddar cheese if using, and slice green onions or dice celery if adding.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon pieces, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. Pour ranch dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Cook bacon low and slow to achieve perfect crispiness without burning. Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent mushiness. Chill dressing to meld flavors. Add tomatoes just before serving if prepping ahead to keep them fresh. Reserve bacon fat for extra smoky flavor if desired. Adjust salt carefully due to bacon and cheese saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, summer BBQ, creamy pasta salad, cherry tomatoes, easy side dish

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/