Shortcut Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This shortcut bacon ranch pasta salad recipe has only 4 ingredients. Comes out delicious every time. Great for a small side dish and easily doubles, triples for a larger crowd.
Isn’t it nice when you come across a recipe that looks so good and is so simple make? I think so.
It’s even more rewarding when you just think up one in your head that happens to become a family favorite.
Well, this one I did find on the internet but, changed up the recipe just a bit to make it the most shortcut pasta salad and still tastes so delicious.
What I like about this particular salad is, it’s so versatile, you can add in a few more ingredients and use any brand of ranch dressing to change things up.
The best part is, you don’t need to cook any bacon!
I bought all natural cooked bacon at my local market.
That’s why I call this a real shortcut recipe.
Great when you need to throw something together in a hurry.
My family happens to love Olive Garden dressings. I find them in all the markets and at Walmart. But, if you can’t find it, use your favorite dressing you have on hand or one you already know and like.
I know that this pasta salad is adored not only by my family but friends too.
Great for barbecues, potluck dinners and just as a side dish for something as simple as roast chicken or sliced steak.
Add some diced chicken or some cooked shrimp for a main dish. I’ve done that a few times. My family loved it.
Try the easy-peasy bacon ranch pasta salad soon and enjoy!
Shortcut Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Yields: about 8 sides
What are the four ingredients in this yummy looking pasta salad?
Here’s the simple ingredients:
- box bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- block cheddar cheese, I used mild for this recipe
- box precooked bacon, I used Oscar Mayer
- bottle ranch dressing, I used Olive Garden for this recipe
- ground pepper to taste, this is optional
- full printable recipe with amounts below in recipe box
How is the pasta salad prepared?
Here’s the easy directions:
- Cook pasta as directed on box. Drain thoroughly and you can rinse in cold water and drain again.
- Chop up the cheese into little cubes. Cut up the precooked bacon as well. Save a little of each for garnish.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta. Then add in the cheese and bacon. Gently mix to combine. Try not to break up the pasta.
- Add in the whole bottle of dressing. Again, gently toss to coat everything. I like using two large wooden spoons to do this.
- Place in fridge for just about 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Top with saved cheese and bacon. Now, serve up! ( pasta salad can stay in fridge up to 2 days in a sealed container.
Enjoy the creamy deliciousness!
Before leaving, check out another delicious pasta salad.
Classic Macaroni Green Pea Salad
print recipe below
Shortcut Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounce box bow tie pasta
- 8 ounce block cheddar cheese, I used mild
- 6.3 ounce box precooked bacon, I used Oscar Mayer
- 16 ounce bottle ranch dressing, I used Olive Garden for this recipe
- ground pepper to taste, this is optional
Instructions
-
1.Cook pasta as directed on box. Drain thoroughly and you can rinse in cold water and drain again.
2.Chop up the cheese into little cubes. Cut up the precooked bacon as well. Save a little of each for garnish.
3.In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta. Then add in the cheese and bacon. Gently mix to combine. Try not to break up the pasta.
4.Add in the whole bottle of dressing. Again, gently toss to coat everything. I like using two large wooden spoons to do this.
5.Place in fridge for just about 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Top with saved cheese and bacon. Now, serve up! ( pasta salad can stay in fridge up to 2 days in a sealed container. Enjoy!
Totally simple to make, totally delectable!
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