Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad 

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender tri-color rotini pasta with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. It's enriched with crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, black olives, and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 ounces) tri-color rotini pasta

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 package (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing/seasoning mix

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ cup milk

• 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• 1 large tomato, diced

• 1 can (4.25 ounces) sliced black olives, drained

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and milk until well combined

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, diced tomato, drained black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 429 kcal

• Protein: 15 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Sodium: 560 mg

• Cholesterol: 45 mg

• Potassium: 200 mg