Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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Favorite pasta salad with bacon, tomatoes, and ranch dressing.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Chilling Time 2

Total Time 2 20

Servings servings

Calories 429kcal

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water to remove extra starch, and cool the pasta. Drain all excess water.
1 pound tricolored rotini pasta
Place cooled pasta in a large bowl along with ranch dressing. Stir gently to coat.
1 cup ranch dressing
Add peas, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese. Stir gently so everything is distributed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
1 cup crispy bacon, 1 bag frozen peas, thawed, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Just before serving, stir again. If the pasta seems dry, add ¼-½ cup of ranch dressing.

- Make certain your pasta is cool before adding the ranch dressing. Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water will cool the pasta quickly and will help keep the pasta from sticking.
- It's okay to add the peas while they are still partially frozen.

- The pasta will absorb some of the dressing while in the refrigerator. If it becomes too dry, add more dressing. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help moisten the salad.

- This salad is best when it has had a chance for the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for 2 hours. However, if needed, you can serve right away.