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Crispy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, cherry tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for potlucks, picnics, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 9 to 11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping occasionally for even browning. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Slice 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half, chop 2 green onions thinly, and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley if using. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  5. Add the chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, green onions, parsley, and sharp cheddar to the cooled pasta. Pour the ranch dressing mixture over everything.
  6. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta and add-ins with dressing.
  7. Season with salt and pepper sparingly, tasting first as bacon and cheddar add saltiness.
  8. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut bacon cooked slowly over medium heat for crispiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent sogginess. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking cherry tomatoes. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Bacon can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as an alternative cooking method.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, easy side dish, potluck recipe, picnic food

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