Description
This Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer dinners. Featuring al dente rotini pasta mixed with crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, smoky bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing, this salad offers a delicious combination of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, can be chilled to meld flavors, and is crowd-pleasing for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup diced red onion (optional)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or bottled)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion if using. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing and Season: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss well to ensure every ingredient is coated thoroughly with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken strips.
- Swap out romaine lettuce for fresh spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- To keep the lettuce crisp, add it just before serving rather than mixing it in too early.
