Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! Just saying the name makes me want to eat it. There’s a great reason why I love this dish so much. I found this recipe at a summer BBQ a few years ago, and it quickly became one of my go-to meals. Imagine this: it’s a sunny afternoon, people are laughing in the backyard, and someone brings out this big, colorful bowl of Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. At that moment, I knew I had to copy it. Every time my friends come over for a party, they always ask me if I’m going to make this dish. It’s not only a hit with everyone, but it’s also very simple to make!
This salad is like a party on a plate, with flavors and textures that go well together. You have creamy ranch dressing mixed with spicy foods like crispy bacon and fresh vegetables. Every bite is a delicious trip down memory lane that brings back memories of warm days, lively get-togethers, and the joy of sharing food with family and friends. Let’s get to work and make your own Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!
What goes into Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
Let’s go over the ingredients now, shall we? Each part adds to the delicious mix that makes this salad so hard to resist. You will need the following:
I like to use rotini or penne pasta because they can hold onto the dressing and the tasty bits of bacon and vegetables. They make every bite satisfying by adding a nice chewiness. If you want to make it a little healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta.
Bacon: The best part is the crispy, crumbled bacon! It gives the salad a crunchy, savory taste that makes it taste better than normal. I like thick-cut bacon because it has a rich flavor, but you can use whatever you like best.
Ranch Dressing: The dressing is what brings everything together, and using a good ranch dressing makes a big difference. I like to make my own ranch, which I’ll talk about later, but store-bought works just as well. Just pick a brand you like.
Cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness add a splash of color and freshness that balances out the bacon’s richness. You can cut them in half or leave them whole, whichever you like.
Cucumber: Cucumber adds a nice crunch to the salad and makes it taste fresh. I like to take the seeds out before chopping them because it keeps the salad from getting watery.
Red onion is a great way to add a sharp flavor to your food. It makes things more interesting and adds a nice color contrast. Soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you don’t like the taste.
Shredded cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and a little bit of sharpness. I like to use a good cheddar cheese because it really makes the taste better.
Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that makes the salad taste better. I always add a little more on top for color and decoration.
To taste, you need to add a little salt and pepper. If you’re feeling brave, you can also add a little garlic powder or paprika for more flavor.
Is Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Healthy?
Now let’s talk about health. This dish is definitely a treat, but it does have some good points when eaten in moderation.
Pasta is a great source of carbs that give you energy. Choosing whole wheat pasta can add more fiber, which makes it a much better choice for your health.
Bacon: Oh, the crispy treat! Bacon has more fat and sodium than other foods, but it also has protein. If you want to cut calories but still enjoy the taste, I suggest using turkey bacon or even less bacon.
Ranch dressing: This creamy dressing is usually high in calories, but it also has a lot of flavor. Think about using Greek yogurt to make a lighter version that is better for you.
Vegetables: The green onions, cucumber, and tomatoes are all good sources of vitamins and minerals. Not only do they add nutrients, but they also help balance out the bacon and dressing’s richness.
The most important thing is to find some balance. You can have a filling and satisfying meal without feeling too bad if you serve this dish with a salad of leafy greens or some grilled vegetables.
List of Ingredients
Here’s a useful list of the things you’ll need to make your delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Depending on how big the portions are, this recipe can feed 6 to 8 people.
– 12 ounces of uncooked rotini or penne pasta
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon that have been cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup ranch dressing, either store-bought or made at home
– 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
– One medium cucumber, cut into cubes
– A small red onion, cut up
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 green onions, cut into pieces
– Add salt and pepper to taste
How do you make bacon ranch pasta salad?
Okay! Let’s put on our aprons and start cooking! Here’s how to make this tasty Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad:
1. **Make the Pasta:** Put a lot of salt in a big pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. To cool it down and stop the cooking process, drain it and rinse it under cold water. This step will keep your pasta from getting mushy.
2. **Fry the bacon:** Put a skillet on medium heat while the pasta cooks. Cook the bacon for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is crispy. Let it drain on a paper towel to soak up extra grease after it’s done cooking, and then break it up.
3. **Get the veggies ready:** Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion while the bacon and pasta cool down. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts and make the food look nice.
4. **Combine the Ingredients:** Put the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions in a big bowl.
5. **Put on the Salad:** Pour in your ranch dressing and stir it in gently so that all the ingredients are covered. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little with your hands; it can help make sure that everything is evenly spread out. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Chill:** Cover the salad and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the best results. It will let the flavors mix together perfectly.
7. **Serve:** After it has cooled, stir it well before serving. You can make it look better by adding more green onions or cheese on top.
## Serve It How You Want!
Here are some fun ways to make your Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad even better:
– **Add Protein:** For an extra protein boost, I often add some diced grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you want it as a main course, this makes it even heartier!
– **Change the Cheese:** Don’t like cheddar? If you want to spice things up, you can use mozzarella, feta, or even a spicy pepper jack instead.
– **Make it Meatless:** You can use smoked tempeh instead of bacon or add roasted chickpeas for that satisfying crunch.
– **How to Serve:** This salad goes great with BBQ chicken, burgers, or grilled veggies, so it’s perfect for summer get-togethers. It can also be a great lunch prep food for the whole week.
– **Fresh Herbs:** Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, to give it more flavor.
## To finish it up!
I hope this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad makes you want to make it. I promise that it will be a hit, whether you serve it at a cookout, a potluck, or just for a cozy night in with friends and family. Cooking is all about spending time with others, and this salad makes every meal better. I’d love to hear how you made it your own, so please leave a comment or tag me in your food photos on social media!
Let’s get started with cooking! Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Savor every bite!
