Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas

If you are looking for an easy, delicious pasta recipe, this Bacon Ranch Pasta with Peas is so quick to make that you will be surprised! It is definitely a filling and tasty easy side salad that will go with many of your main dishes.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas turned out pretty tasty!!

Bacon makes everything better!

When you add bacon to the ingredients you have one of the best pasta salads out there!

This pasta is creamy and full of flavor, it is a blend of pasta, peas, green onion, mayo, ranch seasoning, bacon and cheddar cheese, all tossed together for a great dish! The best part of it? You can have this tasty dish in your table in less than 30 minutes!

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Why I Love Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with Peas?

The many reasons to love this recipe can go on and on! A few include:

• Ingredients are common in any kitchen.
• Adults and kids love it!
• The balance of sweet, savory, and salty are perfect.
• This recipe can be adapted to specific needs or ingredient availability.
• Easy to bring to parties, picnics, and potlucks. 
• It can be served warm or cold.

How do you keep pasta salad from getting soggy?

Pasta can get soggy in a salad if not prepared properly. The secret to perfect pasta is cooking until it’s “al dente” or firm and chewy. Pay attention to the cooking instructions on the box of your pasta, follow them to the letter, and enjoy perfect pasta every time!

Why is my pasta salad not creamy?

There are several reasons for your ranch pasta salad with peas may not be creamy:

• If your pasta wasn’t completely cooled, your dressing might thin out. This makes a watery, tasteless sauce. 
• Don’t skip rinsing your pasta with cold water after cooking. It prevents any additional cooking, which may lead to a starchy mess. This can turn your dressing from creamy to thick and clumpy.
• You haven’t added enough dressing! Try adding a tablespoon at a time until it’s the desired consistency.

Why does mayo disappear into pasta salad?

Older, leftover pasta can be dry. When you add mayo to a dry pasta salad, it’s likely to be absorbed. The good news is that you may be able to add some more dressing (not too much!), stir it until the entire salad is coated, and serve!

Should you rinse pasta when making pasta salad?

You should rinse pasta when making your pasta salad recipe. The starch can absorb liquid, and this includes your dressing. Rinse it thoroughly in cold water and allow it to cool before finishing the recipe.

How to Serve Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas?

This recipe is often served during warm weather at picnics, backyard parties, and barbecues. It should be served alongside your favorite meat and vegetables. You can even eat this salad as a standalone meal if you like!

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas Cooking Tips:

To help your salad come out perfectly every time, here are some tips:

• Use pasta that can hold onto the dressing, bacon, and other ingredients. This includes small shells, elbows, rotini, and other curved shapes to cradle your ingredients.
• Cook the pasta exactly the way it’s directed on the box. 
• Rinse the pasta thoroughly in a colander with cold water. Allow to cool completely.
• Prepare your other ingredients as the pasta cools. This type of planning helps you avoid adding ingredients too soon!
• Cool your bacon completely before adding it to your salad.

Variations of Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas:

• Switch out your pork bacon for turkey bacon for a healthier alternative.
• This recipe can be made vegan when you replace the mayo, seasoning, and bacon with vegan alternatives.
• Cherry tomatoes shine in this recipe, but you can substitute grape tomatoes if desired. 
• Make a mustard-mayo dressing by switching out the ranch seasoning for mustard (any preferred kind)
• Make this dish even heartier when you add cheese. Cheddar, Parmesan, feta, Gouda, or any favorites will do. Cubes or shredded cheese works great!
• Replace your mayo with fat-free sour cream or yogurt. This adjustment will significantly impact overall taste, so it’s a good idea to do a practice run with it to see if you (and your guests) will enjoy it.
• Add some heat with diced jalapenos.
• Load the salad with extra vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, celery, and other favorites.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz  Pasta Mini Shells
• 2 cup Frozen Peas
• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
• 2 Green Onions (Sliced)
• 6 strips Bacon (Chopped into small pieces)
• 2 tbsp Ranch Seasoning

Here’s what I used:

How to make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas:

Step 1:  In a medium saucepan, add water and salt and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

Step 2: When the pasta is ready, drain and rinse with cold water. Put it on the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: In a large bowl, add the pasta, peas, green onion, cheese, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning and bacon.

Step 4: Make sure to toss to evenly coat. Place in the fridge again before serving.

Step 5: Serve it with a topping of extra bacon and cheese and enjoy!

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How to Store Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas?

Place your bacon ranch pasta salad in an airtight container. Note that storing it will cause it to become dry, so extra dressing may be needed when eating leftovers.

How to Reheat Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas?

While this salad is best eaten slightly chilled or at room temperature, you may microwave it. Start with around 30 seconds and then heat in smaller increments until it reaches the desired temperature.

How Much Does Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas Last in the Fridge?

You can expect the salad to be good for three to four days.

Can I Make Ahead Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad With Peas?

You can make this bacon ranch pasta salad recipe and refrigerate it for 24 hours before serving it. Check the dressing to see if you need to add more when taking it from the fridge. Add dressing until desired consistency, then serve!

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