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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – Best Potluck Recipe

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This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is the ultimate potluck dish, combining smoky bacon, cool ranch dressing, and fresh veggies in a quick and easy recipe that always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • Salt for the pasta water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 8 slices (about 8 oz or 225 g) thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water until completely cool. Set aside to drain well.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until deep golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cool, crumble into small bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Ranch Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning mix, whole milk, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Prep the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Thaw frozen peas under cold water and pat dry.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, peas, red onion, and cubed cheddar cheese. Pour the ranch dressing over the top and gently fold until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. Reserve half the bacon to add just before serving for maximum crunch. The salad can be made a day ahead; add a splash of milk before serving to refresh the dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy bacon ranch pasta salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, bacon ranch pasta, cold pasta salad

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-best-potluck-recipe/