Fresh Pasta Salad is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any meal. This salad combines tender macaroni, fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing for a delicious and satisfying bite.
Fresh Pasta Salad: A Crisp and Creamy Delight
This easy-to-make salad is bursting with fresh flavors from cucumber and tomatoes, combined with the creamy richness of ranch dressing and cheddar cheese. The addition of bacon adds a delightful crunch and smokiness, making this pasta salad a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Equipment: Large mixing bowl, colander
Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Mueller’s Cut Macaroni
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 2 cups diced fresh tomato
- 5-6 chopped green onion scallions
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix
- 1.5 cups traditional shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix. Stir the mixture until well blended.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing.
- Add the cucumber, tomatoes, and scallions to the pasta and mix gently.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the salad until chilled, about 1 hour. Serve cold.
This Fresh Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a favorite at your next gathering!