Creamy Bacon-Broccoli Pasta Salad
This Creamy Bacon-Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for any gathering, from barbecues to potlucks. The crispness of bacon pairs beautifully with tender broccoli and chewy penne pasta, all coated in rich ranch dressing. This salad can be made ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together and ensuring a refreshing and delicious side or main dish for your next event. Serve it chilled for a satisfying and creamy experience that everyone will love!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
broccoli
1 head (cut into bite-sized florets)
bacon
1 pound (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
16 ounces (bottle)
black olives
2 (2.25 ounce) cans (sliced or whole, drained)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Once done, remove from heat, let it cool, and then crumble it into small pieces.
2
While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
3
As the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into bite-sized florets. You can also steam it for a few minutes to soften it slightly if you prefer.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, and drained black olives.
5
Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture, adding it to taste. Season with salt and pepper for additional flavor.
6
Toss everything together gently until well combined. For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or shredded carrots.
7
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. For the best taste, consider making it the day before your event.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon-Broccoli Pasta Salad?
It is a flavorful dish featuring crisp bacon, tender broccoli, and penne pasta tossed in a rich ranch dressing, perfect for gatherings.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
Do I need to cook the broccoli for this pasta salad?
You can use raw bite-sized florets for maximum crunch, or steam them for a few minutes to soften them slightly if you prefer.
What kind of ranch dressing should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using a 16-ounce bottle of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead is recommended to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.
How should I prepare the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then cooled and crumbled into small pieces.
What kind of olives are included?
The recipe uses two 2.25-ounce cans of black olives, which can be sliced or whole and should be drained.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a chilled pasta salad and should be served cold for the best experience.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, adding grated cheese is a suggested variation for additional texture and flavor.
What other vegetables go well in this salad?
Shredded carrots are specifically mentioned as a great addition to this recipe.
Is this recipe good for barbecues?
Absolutely, its creamy texture and chilled serving temperature make it ideal for barbecues and outdoor events.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't get mushy?
Cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining.
What should I do if the salad seems dry after refrigerating?
You can add a little extra ranch dressing to taste before serving if the pasta has absorbed the initial amount.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon if you prefer, just ensure it is cooked until crisp enough to crumble.
Is salt and pepper necessary?
The recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to your personal taste to enhance the flavor.
What events is this salad best for?
It is perfect for potlucks, football parties, barbecues, or as a simple side dish for family meals.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While penne is used here, you can substitute other shapes like rotini or bow tie if you have them on hand.
How much broccoli is required?
The recipe calls for one full head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a satisfying side dish or a light main course.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and drained well.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
How do I crumble the bacon properly?
Wait until the bacon has cooled completely after cooking; this makes it brittle and easy to break into small pieces.
Can I add protein to make it a fuller meal?
While it already contains bacon, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas would be a great way to increase the protein content.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple boiling, frying, and mixing steps.
Can I leave out the olives?
Yes, if you are not a fan of olives, you can omit them without affecting the structural integrity of the salad.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
The flavor profile is creamy and savory, highlighting the tang of ranch and the saltiness of bacon.
Should the pasta be hot when mixing with the dressing?
No, the pasta should be rinsed under cold water and cooled before combining with the other ingredients to prevent the dressing from thinning.