Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a classic and delicious side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs. It’s creamy, crunchy, and flavorful, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic pepper
- ½ cup milk, or as needed
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and garlic pepper. Stir in milk until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, bacon, tomato, cheese, olives, and green onions to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise.
- If you don’t have black olives, you can leave them out or substitute another type of olive.
- You can also add other ingredients to this pasta salad, such as chopped cooked chicken, peas, or corn.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this pasta salad up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Q: How long will this pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
A: This pasta salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. Some other good options include penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
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