Ingredients for Bacon Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- Crisp Bacon
- Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing
- Black Olives
- Salt And Pepper
How to Make Bacon Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool quickly. Set aside.
- While pasta cooks, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and crumble. Set aside.
- Steam or boil broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, broccoli, ranch dressing, mayonnaise (if using), red onion (if using), and cheddar cheese (if using).
- Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your preference.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This salad tastes even better the next day!
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
67 g
Sugar
11g
Fat
51g
Carbs
8g
