Description
Inspired by the classic BLT sandwich, this Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad brings together crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, sharp cheddar cubes, and green onions, all tossed with a cool and creamy homemade ranch dressing. Each bite is a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal dish for summer cookouts or easy family dinners. The rotini pasta adds a delightful texture, capturing all the creamy dressing in its spirals, while the crisp bacon and tangy tomatoes make this salad irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it at a potluck, picnic, or as a light meal, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 10.5 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 10 slices thick cut bacon, cooked & rough chopped
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Simple Ranch Dressing:
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp coarse ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in boiling water for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
- While pasta cooks, rough chop the cooked bacon, halve the tomatoes, slice the green onions, and cube the cheddar.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, and cheddar cubes. Toss gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate. If serving later, add the bacon just before serving for extra crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes