Creamy Ranch Pasta & Potato Delight
This Creamy Ranch Pasta & Potato Delight is a perfect crowd-pleaser, combining tender red potatoes, colorful tri-color spiral pasta, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a flavorful ranch dressing and creamy mayonnaise. It’s a delightful dish that can be served as a side or a main course, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings. Each bite bursts with different textures and flavors, showcasing the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables. Prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate, and let the flavors meld together for a fabulous, refreshing salad that's sure to impress everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
red potatoes
2 cups (unpeeled, diced)
tri-color spiral pasta
6 ounces (uncooked)
bacon
8 slices (cooked crispy, crumbled)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup (purchased)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and add the diced red potatoes to the water. Cook for 3 minutes.
3
Carefully add the uncooked tri-color spiral pasta to the saucepan with the potatoes and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until both the potatoes and pasta are tender.
4
Drain the cooked potatoes and pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, tri-color pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped red bell pepper, and green onions.
6
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch salad dressing until smooth and well-blended.
7
Pour the dressing mixture over the salad ingredients in the large bowl, and toss everything together until evenly coated.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ranch Pasta & Potato Delight?
It is a refreshing salad that combines tender red potatoes, tri-color spiral pasta, and crispy bacon in a creamy ranch dressing.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: red potatoes, tri-color spiral pasta, bacon, red bell pepper, green onion, mayonnaise, and ranch salad dressing.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
No, the recipe calls for the red potatoes to be unpeeled and diced.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of uncooked tri-color spiral pasta.
How much water is needed to boil the ingredients?
You should bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan.
How long do the potatoes cook before adding the pasta?
The diced red potatoes should cook in the boiling water for 3 minutes before you add the pasta.
What is the total cooking time for the pasta and potatoes together?
The pasta and potatoes should cook together for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until both are tender.
How should I cool the pasta and potatoes after boiling?
Drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then allow them to cool.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe requires 8 slices of bacon.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled before being added to the salad.
How much red bell pepper is used?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
What amount of green onion is included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped green onion.
What makes up the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a smooth blend of 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup ranch salad dressing.
Can I use homemade ranch dressing?
While the recipe specifies purchased ranch salad dressing, you can use homemade if you prefer.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Whisk the mayonnaise and ranch dressing together in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Should I serve the salad immediately after mixing?
No, you should refrigerate the covered salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
Why does the salad need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld together for a better tasting dish.
Is this dish suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is described as a perfect crowd-pleaser for potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be served as either a side or a main course.
What kind of red potatoes should I use?
Standard red potatoes are fine; just ensure they are unpeeled and diced into uniform pieces.
What tools are needed to combine the ingredients?
You will need a large saucepan for boiling, a colander for draining, a large mixing bowl, and a small whisking bowl.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pasta salad, potato salad, ranch dressing, bacon, quick meal, and summer salad.
Does the recipe include nutrition information like calories?
The provided data does not list specific values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
How should I store leftovers?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use green bell peppers instead of red?
Yes, though red bell peppers provide a specific color and sweetness, green peppers can be used as a substitute.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is categorized under easy recipes and is a quick meal to assemble.
How much pasta is used by weight?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of pasta.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The profile is creamy and savory, featuring ranch and bacon flavors.
At what heat should I cook the potatoes?
The water should be reduced to medium-high heat once it reaches a boil.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it ahead of time to let the flavors develop in the fridge.