SUDDENLY BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD A Copycat Recipe

ranch dressing

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: colby jack cheese

Colby jack is often less expensive and still flavorful.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: bacon bits

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while bacon bits save on cooking time.

green onions

🥗Healthier: chives

💰Cheaper: regular onions

Chives add a similar flavor, while regular onions are more economical.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.

Add 12 oz of medium shell pasta to the water and cook according to package directions until tender, about 11 minutes.

At the 6-minute mark, add 1/2 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 cup of shredded carrots to the boiling pasta.

Stir the pasta and vegetables together and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.

Drain the pasta, peas, and carrots, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool everything down.

Shake out excess water and blot dry with paper towels, then transfer to a medium-sized bowl.

In a separate medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, 3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk together until smooth.

Add 3 tablespoons of chopped bacon to the dressing mixture and stir to combine.

Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed, then pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.

Mix everything together until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens