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Homemade bacon ranch pasta salad made with bow tie pasta, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes.
Ashley

BLT Pasta Salad

This creamy BLT Pasta Salad is loaded with crispy bacon, tender farfalle pasta, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a homemade ranch dressing. It's the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Lunch, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ranch seasoning packet 1 ounce
  • 1 lb high-quality bacon thick cut
  • 1 pound farfalle pasta
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce washed and thoroughly dried
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved (or leave whole if very small)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the remaining ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle according to the package directions until al dente.
  3. While the pasta cooks, fry the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, allow it to cool slightly, then roughly chop.
  4. Drain the cooked pasta well. While the pasta is still warm, immediately toss it with the prepared ranch dressing until evenly coated.
  5. Allow the pasta to cool, then stir in the romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
  6. Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled. Before serving add in the chopped bacon. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Mixing the dressing with the warm pasta helps the pasta absorb more flavor.
  • Be sure the lettuce is completely dry to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • For the best texture, serve well chilled.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a splash of milk to refresh the salad.