Creamy Bacon Ranch Rotini Salad
This Creamy Bacon Ranch Rotini Salad is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the rich flavors of crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and vibrant veggies. With each bite, you'll experience the delightful combination of tri-colored rotini, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the refreshing crunch of chopped tomatoes and olives. Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or picnics, this salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Your friends and family won't be able to resist going back for seconds!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
tri-colored rotini pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
bacon
10 slices (cooked and chopped)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
dry ranch dressing mix
1 packet (1 ounce) (none)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
milk
1/2 cup (more as needed)
large tomato
1 (chopped or 15 grape tomatoes, halved)
sliced black olives
1 can (3 ounces) (none)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the tri-colored rotini pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool.
2
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy and evenly browned. Drain on a paper towel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, dry ranch dressing mix, and garlic powder. Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
4
Add the cooled rotini pasta, chopped bacon, chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together so that they are well coated with the creamy ranch dressing.
5
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. If the salad appears to be a little dry when serving, toss it with additional milk until the desired creaminess is achieved.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bacon Ranch Rotini Salad?
It is a crowd-pleasing pasta salad featuring tri-colored rotini, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked tri-colored rotini pasta.
How long should I cook the rotini pasta?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 10 slices of bacon, which should be cooked until crispy and then chopped.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, as long as you use the equivalent of 10 slices and ensure it is crispy and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What components make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made by combining mayonnaise, a packet of dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and milk.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much milk is needed for the dressing?
The recipe starts with 1/2 cup of milk, but you can add more as needed to reach your desired level of creaminess.
What should I do if the salad is too dry when serving?
If the salad appears dry after being refrigerated, simply toss it with additional milk until it is creamy again.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of a large tomato?
Yes, you can substitute the large tomato with 15 grape tomatoes that have been halved.
Are there olives in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes one 3-ounce can of sliced black olives.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for making ahead of time as the refrigeration period helps the flavors develop.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for brunches, potlucks, or picnics.
Can I use regular rotini instead of tri-colored?
While tri-colored rotini is suggested for its vibrant appearance, regular rotini will work just as well for the flavor.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The salad is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Should I drain the olives?
The recipe calls for sliced black olives; usually, these should be drained before being added to the salad.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Cooking the pasta in plenty of salted water and draining it properly will help, and the creamy dressing will keep it separated once mixed.
Can I substitute mayonnaise?
While the recipe specifies mayonnaise for its creamy base, you could experiment with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains wheat-based pasta, but you could use a gluten-free rotini substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
When kept refrigerated, the salad typically stays fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or green onions if desired.
What should I serve this with?
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger buffet spread.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It is primarily served as a side dish, though the bacon and cheese make it quite hearty.
Can I use a different dressing?
This specific recipe is designed around the ranch flavor, but you can adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
What size ranch packet is needed?
Use one standard 1-ounce packet of dry ranch dressing mix.