Friday, May 22, 2026

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

  • 1 (12 ounce) package uncooked tri-color rotini pasta
  • 10 slices bacon
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
  • ½ teaspoon garlic pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup buttermilk as needed
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 (4.25 ounce) can sliced black olives
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  2. Place bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until evenly brown. 
  3. Drain and chop.
  4. Mix mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic pepper, and garlic powder together in a large bowl. Stir in milk until smooth.
  5. Place rotini, bacon, tomato, black olives, and cheese in a bowl and toss to coat with dressing.
  6. Cover and chill at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. 
  7. Toss with additional milk if the salad seems a little dry.

This recipe makes quite a bit and would be great for a crowd event.  

NOW to slimify!

  • 12 oz carb diem lower carb pasta  (you can order it online or buy in stores)
  • 10 slices lower sodium turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup fat free yogurt (not Greek)
  • 3 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup buttermilk as needed
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 (4.25 ounce) can sliced black olives
  • 1 cup shredded sharp reduced fat Cheddar cheese
To create a smaller salad (this is for 4)
6 oz pasta
5 sliced bacon
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1.5 tbsp dressing mix
1/4 cup buttermilk (low fat)
1/2 large tomato, chopped
1/2 small can sliced olives
1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese
garlic powder and other spices to taste