Print

Creamy BLT Ranch Pasta Salad

creamy BLT ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 5-ingredient summer side dish combining creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon bits, fresh romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and pasta for a crowd-pleasing salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional: 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: fresh herbs like parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions (about 8 to 10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop cooking. Drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of bacon and cook until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized bits once cooled.
  3. Chop 2 cups romaine lettuce and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. If using, slice 2 green onions and shred 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crispy bacon bits, lettuce, tomatoes, and any optional add-ins.
  5. Pour 3/4 cup ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more dressing if needed, a tablespoon at a time.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

To keep lettuce crisp, add it just before serving if preparing in advance. Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Baking bacon at 400°F for 15 minutes is a no-fuss alternative to frying. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/creamy-blt-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-summer-side-dish/