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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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A creamy, flavorful pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a tangy ranch dressing, perfect for summer parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons ranch dressing, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese if using. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the top.
  5. Gently toss everything with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the pasta is evenly coated with dressing and ingredients are well distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld (30 minutes if pressed for time).
  6. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and keep salad firm. Cook bacon in skillet for best flavor and texture. Toss gently to avoid crushing tomatoes. Chill salad for best flavor. For lighter or dairy-free versions, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or coconut-based alternatives and use vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, cherry tomatoes, summer recipe, picnic, barbecue, creamy pasta salad

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/