Description
This recipe provides instructions for a creamy, flavorful pasta salad featuring bacon and ranch dressing, ideal for gatherings or easy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini or medium shell pasta
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, dry ranch seasoning mix, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use rotini or medium shells; their ridges hold the creamy dressing well.
- For the best texture, do not overcook the pasta; slightly firm pasta resists sogginess after chilling.
- You can add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for extra color and freshness.
- Make this salad up to 24 hours ahead of time; the flavor improves overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 22
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 45