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Easy 20-Minute One-Bowl Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and shredded cheddar cheese, perfect for gatherings or a fast meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) rotini or gemelli pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup (about 120 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup (35 grams) finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped fresh parsley
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Let drain thoroughly to avoid watery salad.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until crisp and golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/2 cup celery, dice 1/4 cup red onion (optional), and roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Set aside.
  4. In your large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ranch dressing with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  5. Add the drained pasta, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and prepared vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Check seasoning and add more pepper if needed.
  6. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors, but you can serve immediately if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best to avoid sogginess. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for perfect crispness. Rinse pasta under cold water and drain well to stop cooking. Toss gently to keep veggies crisp and cheese from clumping. Optional chilling for 15-20 minutes improves flavor melding. Add extra ranch or milk if salad seems dry after chilling. Spicy ranch dressing can be used for a twist. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, quick pasta salad, one-bowl salad, easy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-20-minute-one-bowl-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon/