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Creamy BLT Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon bits, fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy ranch dressing, perfect for potlucks and barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (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 of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let drain. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized crispy bacon bits.
  3. Wash and chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and finely dice 1/4 cup of red onion. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Add the crispy bacon bits last and give a gentle toss so they don’t get crushed.
  7. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a pop of color and freshness.
  8. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent clumping. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Bacon fat can be used to cook onions for extra flavor. Salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days but bacon bits soften over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, creamy ranch pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck salad, summer salad

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