Description
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad is a delicious and creamy pasta salad that combines cheese tortellini, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a homemade ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 570 g (20 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 225 g (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
- 225 g (½ lb) bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 4–5 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 mL) buttermilk or milk
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 packet (11 g) dry ranch dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) onion powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) dried dill
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, usually about 3–5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini.
- Cool the pasta: Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Let the tortellini cool completely.
- Make the ranch dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and dried dill until smooth.
- Combine: Place the cooled tortellini in a large mixing bowl. Add the cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.
- Add the dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the tortellini mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours so the flavors can develop and the salad becomes nicely chilled. It can also be prepared the day before.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and a little extra bacon and cheddar if desired.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a side dish or add about 2 cups (225 g) chopped rotisserie chicken to turn it into a heartier main dish.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg