Million Dollar Pasta Salad
A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad bursting with flavor, perfect for barbecues and potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz Mini Penne Pasta Can substitute with regular penne or fusilli.
- 6 slices Bacon Can substitute with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian option.
Vegetables
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
- 1 cup Bell Peppers Mix of red, yellow, and green for color and nutrition.
- 3 stalks Scallions Can replace with red onion for a sharper flavor.
- 1/2 medium Red Onion Adds a hint of sharpness.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil) Can add dill or cilantro for variation.
Dressing and Cheese
- 1 cup Ranch Dressing Homemade or quality store-bought.
- 1 cup Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook mini penne until al dente—about 10-12 minutes—then drain and let cool.
- Dice bacon into small bits and sauté in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Let cool.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, sliced scallions, diced red onion, and fresh herbs. Stir everything together.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, give it another light toss, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Serving
- Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, consider a splash of lemon juice, or switch ranch for pesto for a different twist. You can also prep bacon ahead for convenience.