Description
This Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish combining al dente pasta, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a zesty ranch dressing. Perfect as a refreshing summer side or a quick, satisfying meal, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Chill: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired for an extra fresh touch.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken breast strips to the salad.
- Use turkey bacon and low-fat ranch dressing for a lighter, healthier version.
- To keep the lettuce crisp, consider stirring it in just before serving instead of mixing it in earlier.
