Million Dollar Pasta Salad
A delightful pasta salad featuring mini penne, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing—perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 1 pound Mini Penne Pasta Can substitute with regular penne or farfalle.
- 1 cup Ranch Dressing Store-bought or homemade.
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
- 1 cup Bell Peppers Diced, use a mix of colors for best visual appeal.
- 1 cup Scallions Sliced.
- 1 cup Red Onions Chopped, can substitute with green onions.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil) Chopped, or use your choice of herbs.
Meat and Cheese
- 6 slices Bacon Diced.
- 1 cup Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese Shredded or cubed.
Instructions
Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook mini penne until al dente; drain and spread on a baking sheet to cool.
- In a skillet, sauté diced bacon until crispy (about 6-8 minutes) and let cool.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs. Toss gently.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is coated.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, toss lightly, and cover with plastic wrap.
Chilling and Serving
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. For meal prep, make ahead and let flavors develop in the refrigerator.