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Easy BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Ranch Dressing

Easy BLT Pasta Salad

A creamy ranch pasta salad loaded with crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, cool lettuce, and tender short pasta. This refreshing side dish makes 6–8 servings and is especially delicious after a short chill.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini, bow-tie, or another short pasta
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
Creamy Ranch Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
  • as needed salt for the pasta water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta according to the package directions until al dente, so it remains pleasantly firm enough to hold the dressing.
  2. Drain the pasta, then rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain thoroughly and allow it to cool before combining it with the dressing.
  3. Cook the bacon until crisp, then transfer it to paper towels to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop it into bite-size pieces.
  4. Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and evenly combined.
  5. Place the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onion in a large mixing bowl. Add the dressing and toss gently until each ingredient is coated.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again just before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse and cool the pasta before adding the dressing. For the freshest texture, add the lettuce and reserve a little dressing until shortly before serving, especially if the salad will sit for several hours.