This delicious bacon ranch pasta salad is a simple and easy-to-make side dish that can easily be served as a main dish. This creamy and flavorful pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering or event. It's loaded with bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Plus, it's ready in only 20 minutes!
Ingredients Needed to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This bacon ranch pasta salad is made with a few simple ingredients. You will need:
- One pound of rotini pasta
- One-half cup of ranch dressing
- One cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- One cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- One-half cup of diced red onion
- One-half cup of diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Making Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
To make this bacon ranch pasta salad, start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside to cool.
In a large bowl, add the ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, red onion, and celery. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and mix everything together until the pasta is coated with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the pasta salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- This pasta salad can be served hot or cold. If you prefer to serve it cold, allow the pasta to cool completely before adding the other ingredients.
- If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can substitute with a vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing.
- For extra flavor, try adding some diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or chopped bell peppers.
- If you want to make this pasta salad a bit healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute the bacon for diced chicken.
- This pasta salad can be served as a side dish or as a main dish. If you’re serving it as a main dish, you can add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it, simply mix everything together and enjoy!
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
No, this pasta salad cannot be frozen. The dairy in the ranch dressing will separate when frozen, so it’s best to make and serve this salad fresh.
What other ingredients can I add to this pasta salad?
This pasta salad is very versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add diced tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped bell peppers, diced cucumber, or diced avocado.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta for this salad. You can use elbow macaroni, fusilli, penne, or any other type of pasta that you prefer.
Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Yes, you can make this pasta salad vegan by substituting the bacon for vegan bacon or diced tempeh. You can also substitute the ranch dressing for a vegan ranch dressing.
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