Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the smoky goodness of bacon with the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all brought together with a mix of fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta.
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to any summer gathering, potluck, or picnic.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle): Cooked al dente according to package instructions and cooled.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the salad dressing.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix: Provides that classic ranch flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning: Adds an extra layer of flavor with a blend of herbs and spices.
- 1 large tomato: Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 small red onion: Finely diced for a bit of crunch and tang.
- 1 cucumber: Peeled, seeded, and chopped.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Blanched and cooled, or raw if you prefer more crunch.
- 1 cup bacon bits: You can use store-bought bacon bits or cook and crumble your own bacon.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar works well, but you can use your favorite type.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, and Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning. Mix well until all the seasonings are fully incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing.
- Add Vegetables and Bacon: Gently fold in the chopped tomato, red onion, cucumber, broccoli florets, bacon bits, and shredded cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well distributed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the salad to firm up.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick stir before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Serve chilled.
Why You’ll Love It
- Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning creates a rich and flavorful salad.
- Texture Variety: With crunchy vegetables, tender pasta, and crispy bacon bits, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures.
- Versatile: This salad is great as a side dish or can be enjoyed as a main course, especially when you want something light but satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues, this salad is always a hit with guests.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this salad easy to prepare.
- Make-Ahead: Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it convenient for busy days.
- Customizable: You can add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season.
- Hearty: The combination of pasta, bacon, and cheese makes this a filling dish.
- Fresh: The inclusion of fresh vegetables like tomato, cucumber, and broccoli adds a refreshing element.
- Balanced: The creamy dressing balances well with the crunchy vegetables and salty bacon.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Cook Pasta Properly: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Cool the Pasta: Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanch Broccoli: If you prefer your broccoli less crunchy, blanch the florets in boiling water for a minute, then plunge into ice water to cool.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to the salad.
- Homemade Bacon Bits: For a more intense bacon flavor, cook and crumble your own bacon instead of using store-bought bacon bits.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill helps the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or additional ranch seasoning.
How to Store Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Store any leftover Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. If the salad has dried out a bit, you can add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of milk to refresh it.
