Tortellini Bacon Ranch Salad
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Bacon weaves its smoky, salty charm into this tasty tortellini bacon ranch salad. It is hearty enough to please everyone around your dinner table. My husband had no complaints about this salad for a summer dinner.
This salad is not only comprised of cheese-filled tortellini (I used the frozen variety). This tortellini bacon ranch salad also includes a whole pound of bacon and chunks of cheddar cheese. However, we felt there was too much cheese in it. I recommend reducing it by half and mixing in some diced tomatoes. I think the tomatoes will be an awesome addition.
Ingredients to make Tortellini Bacon Ranch Salad
- FROZEN CHEESE TORTELLINI
- SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE
- BACON
- SOUR CREAM
- MAYONNAISE
- RANCH DRESSING MIX
- BUTTERMILK
- I RECOMMEND SOME TOMATOES
- OPTIONAL PASLEY FOR GARNISH
How to Make Tortellini Bacon Ranch Salad
Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, strain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water, gently tossing until the pasta is cool to the touch. Set the cooled tortellini aside.
Then you have that rich and creamy ranch dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Ranch seasoning mix, and buttermilk. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.
Transfer the cooled tortellini to a large serving bowl. Pour the prepared Ranch dressing over the tortellini, stirring gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. It’s better than dressing from a bottle and coats the tortellini so well.
Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to the salad. Toss everything together until the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
You can serve the tortellini bacon ranch salad immediately or cover the bowl and refrigerate it for a couple of hours to chill it through. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious when served cold. This will be a cool and refreshing way to enjoy pasta in the hot summer or to share as a side dish at a BBQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or dried tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, any of them will work perfectly. However, fresh tortellini will take less time to cook than dried or frozen varieties. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking whatever tortellini you use and cool it under cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
What type of tortellini should I use?
You can use any type of tortellini that you prefer, such as cheese-filled, spinach, or even meat-filled tortellini. Cheese tortellini is a popular choice because it pairs well with the flavors of bacon and ranch, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It can be made a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, you may need to give it a gentle stir and, if necessary, add a little extra dressing to refresh the salad.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the dressing?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream if you want to lighten up the dressing or add a bit more protein. It will still provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor like sour cream.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! This versatile salad can be customized with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, chopped green onions, or even avocado. Adding extra veggies will enhance the flavor and make the salad more colorful and nutritious.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Turkey Bacon Ranch Croissants
- Chicken Ranch Wraps
- Grilled BBQ Ranch Chicken
- Fiesta Ranch Chicken Salad
Tortellini Bacon Ranch Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 20 oz pkg frozen cheese tortellini
- 8 oz pkg sharp cheddar cheese cubed
- 1 lb bacon thick cut – cooked crisp & roughly chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ Tbsp Ranch dressing mix
- 3 Tbsp buttermilk
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Strain, and run under cold water gently tossing until cool to the touch. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the sour cream, mayo, Ranch mix, and buttermilk. Whisk together until the sauce is smooth.
- Transfer the tortellini to a serving bowl. Add the sauce, stirring until the pasta’s evenly coated.
- Add in the bacon & cheese, tossing until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately, or cover & refrigerate a couple hours until the pasta salad’s chilled through.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from 4 Sons R Us.
