Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This is the perfect appetizer or side to bring to your next potluck. The pasta salad is served cold and is super refreshing. The flavors are bright, zesty, and savory ! I used orange tri-colored pasta from trader joes for more of a fall vibe. If you try this, let me know how you like it !
What you’ll need:
Servings: 8
16 oz boxed pasta of choice
24 oz package of thick-cut bacon
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cesar salad dressing
2-4 tsps dried ranch seasoning
2 garlic cloves (pressed)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
1/4 cup pickle juice
10 oz baby tomatoes (halved)
16 oz shredded lettuce
Instruction:
Start off by boiling pasta and prepare to box instructions. Don’t forget to salt your pasta.
While pasta is boiling, prepare bacon. Slice bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook until crispy. I air fried at 370F for about 15 minutes. You can also bake or pan fry. Drain oil and set aside.
To an extra large mixing bowl, add in softened cream cheese first. Once pasta is al dente and drained, add hot pasta right on top to help melt cream cheese.
Next add in seasonings— mayonnaise, Cesar dressing, dried ranch seasoning, pressed garlic cloves, shredded cheese, chopped green onions (save some for garnish later), half of cooked bacon, and mix well to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in refrigerator for at least one hour or when until its ready to serve.
Once it’s ready to serve, remove bowl from fridge and add in halved baby tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pickle juice to loosen up the mixture. Mix well and transfer to a serving dish.
*If mixture is too thick for your liking, you can add in small amounts of milk until its to your desired consistency.
Garnish with the rest of the bacon and the some reserved chopped green onions. ENJOY !
