Ranch Pasta Salad

Most people that I know adore the boxed bacon ranch pasta salad that is found in grocery stores. I'm one of those people. It's cool, creamy, full of delicious flavors, loaded with healthy vegetables and a very not so healthy dressing that tastes so good.  This salad is exactly like that salad, only not from a boxed kit. It is much easier to make than you think, only requiring a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

This specific recipe came from CopyKat Recipes.  You can use any small pasta you like. Most go for shells since that is what the original uses. I chose ditalini this time since I already had some on hand.  Simply make sure that whatever pasta you choose has lots of places to hold the dressing.






Ingredients

2 c dry pasta
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
1 c frozen peas, thawed
1/2 c crisp bacon pieces, fresh or packaged
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 c mayo
1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions

1. Boil pasta and carrots together until pasta reaches desired consistency.  Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to continue to drain.

2. In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with mayo.

3. In a large bowl, combine peas, bacon, carrots and pasta.  Pour on ranch mix and stir to combine. Chill and serve.


I sometimes like to add leftover chicken to make this a more complete meal.  What are your favorite add ins?