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Labor Day Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad - featured image

Labor Day Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

  • Author: Grace
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A simple, creamy, and tangy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon and ranch dressing, perfect for cookouts and potlucks. Easy to make ahead and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) rotini pasta
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) ranch dressing
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, cooked chicken

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cooked bacon, slice the green onions, and dice the celery. Prepare any optional add-ins if using.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, and celery to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the pasta is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley or extra green onions on top. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Make the salad the day before to allow flavors to meld and bacon to crisp up. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and maintain texture. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor. Customize with veggies or protein as desired. Keep bacon crispy by adding cooled bacon. Adjust salt carefully due to salty ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
  • Calories: 370
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 34
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 15

Keywords: bacon ranch pasta salad, pasta salad, cookout side dish, summer salad, easy pasta salad, bacon salad, ranch dressing salad

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Find it online: https://mealiko.com/labor-day-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-for-perfect-cookouts/