Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad Recipe
This Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad is a creamy, tangy, and savory pasta salad packed with cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight side dish.With endless customization options and crowd-pleasing flavor, this cold pasta salad is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing bottled or homemade
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill optional garnish
Optional:
- ½ cup frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup black olives
Instructions
Cook the tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Prepare the bacon
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
Mix the dressing
- If using bottled ranch, pour it into a mixing bowl. For homemade, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt to taste.
Combine ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and any other mix-ins you like.
Toss and chill
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Stir again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.