Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring ranch dressing, bacon, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz twirly pasta (such as rotini) You can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- 1 cup ranch dressing Store-bought or homemade can be used.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits For a vegetarian option, substitute with crispy chickpeas.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and chives) Fresh is best but dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts.
- Salt and pepper to taste Always start with a small amount and adjust.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil water in a large pot and add the twirly pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ranch dressing, bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and chopped herbs.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the ranch dressing.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill for 2-4 hours for best flavors; can be made a day in advance. For garnish, top with additional fresh herbs or crumbled bacon before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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