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Summer Pasta Salad with BLT Bacon and Ranch Dressing
Benchi

Easy Summer Pasta Salad with BLT Bacon and Ranch Dressing

A flavorful and crowd-pleasing pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh summer tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family dinners, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
to let flavors meld 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 12 oz rotini pasta (340 g)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 300 g), halved
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce , chopped
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing (180 ml)
  • 3 green onions , sliced thin
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g, optional)
  • Black pepper , to taste
  • Salt , to taste

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until crispy but not burnt. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, chop romaine lettuce, slice green onions thinly, and shred cheddar cheese if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon pieces, tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Pour ranch dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  5. Season with black pepper and salt to taste, keeping in mind bacon and ranch add saltiness.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.