Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues, but it's also great as a filling lunch or lighter dinner! Packed with fresh, herby, and smoky bacon flavors, this dish is so moreish AND so easy to make!
2tablespoonsreserved bacon fat(or canola oil, olive oil, or other)
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonfreshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Boil a large pot of lightly salted water, and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta.
Cool the pasta and set it aside. To cool pasta quickly, pour it into a large colander and run it under cold water. Pour cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp and browned. Remove from pan, reserving bacon fat, and drain on some paper towels.
Stir together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons bacon fat, salt, and pepper, and pour over the pasta. Add crisped bacon, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, and cheese and stir just to combine.
Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2-3 hours. Serve cold.
Notes
Storage
Store: This recipe can be prepped ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it seems dry, simply add a splash of water or a bit of ranch dressing before serving.