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As the sun shines brightly and the days stretch longer, summer brings with it a wave of gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks. During this vibrant season, pasta salads emerge as a staple dish, offering a refreshing mix of flavors and textures that can easily satisfy a crowd. Among the many varieties, Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad stands out for its unique combination of savory bacon, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also embodies the spirit of summer with its ease of preparation and versatility, making it a perfect addition to any casual meal or festive occasion.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish, combining savory bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and vibrant vegetables for a refreshing side everyone will love. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners, this pasta salad is easy to make and full of flavor. With a base of rotini pasta and the added crunch of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to fit any taste. Bring on the sunny days and delicious gatherings!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

6 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (to add creaminess)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth and fully combined, creating a deliciously creamy dressing.

      Combine Ingredients: In the same mixing bowl with the dressing, add the cooled rotini pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and the shredded cheddar cheese.

        Mix Everything: Using a gentle folding motion, toss all the ingredients together until each component is thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing.

          Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste of the salad.

            Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a hearty stir to redistribute the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch and freshness.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes

                Total Time: 45 minutes

                  Servings: 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, colorful bowl. For an extra touch, garnish with a few whole cherry tomatoes on top and a sprinkle of extra bacon bits for visual appeal. Enjoy!