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Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

This Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delicious combination of tender pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a tangy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or a satisfying main course, this salad combines creamy and crunchy textures for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped (about 3–4 cups)
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Bacon

  • 8 pieces of bacon, cooked to crispy and crumbled

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (divided)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cool water to stop the cooking process and then let it drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
  2. Prepare the Ranch Dressing: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the buttermilk ranch dressing by whisking together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried dill, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh chives. Gradually drizzle in the remaining 1/4 cup of buttermilk while whisking until the dressing becomes smooth and pourable. Chill the dressing until ready to use. You can make the dressing up to three days ahead for convenience.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved grape tomatoes. Pour the chilled ranch dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Bacon and Serve: Finally, stir in the crispy crumbled bacon pieces. Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For best texture, ensure the pasta is well drained and cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent sogginess.
  • The dressing can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
  • Feel free to substitute romaine with other leafy greens like iceberg or kale for a different twist.
  • Bacon can be cooked in the oven or stovetop for preferred crispiness.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Keywords: Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad, pasta salad, homemade ranch dressing, bacon pasta salad, summer salad, rotini pasta salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/creamy-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe/