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–+ servings
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect for BBQ's and all your summer get togethers. It's loaded with pasta, bacon, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and onion then tossed with a simple, creamy ranch dressing.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Author Amber Brady
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Yields 12 to 16 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz box tri-color rotini pasta
  • ½ cup light mayonnaise
  • ½ cup light sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 roma tomato, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 4.25 oz can sliced black olives
  • ½ cup real bacon bits, (about 10 slices cooked and crumbled)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in salted water for the maximum time according to the directions on the package (about 10 minutes). Drain and run under cold water until cool.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, dry ranch mix, and garlic salt.
  • Add the cooled pasta, diced tomatoes and onions, sliced olives, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold gently until everything is coated with the dressing. Refrigerate for 2 hours prior to serving.

Notes

  • *If you cook pasta for the longest amount of time listed on the package, it shouldn't soak up the dressing. If it still does, add a little extra milk before serving. (I used whole milk.)
  • *For extra zesty pasta salad, use 2 packets of dry ranch dressing mix.
  • *Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
  • ~Recipe altered from Life in the Lofthouse