Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this bacon ranch tortellini salad! It’s like a party in your mouth with the creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies all dancing together. I first whipped this up for a summer picnic, and it was a total hit! The best part? It’s super easy to make and comes together in no time. I love how the cheese tortellini adds a delightful texture to the mix, making it not just a salad, but a delicious meal in itself. Trust me, once you taste this combination of flavors, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious bacon ranch tortellini salad. Start with 12 oz of cheese tortellini, which adds a lovely creamy texture. You’ll also want 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled for that irresistible crunch. Grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved, and 1 cup of diced cucumbers for a refreshing burst. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of diced red onion to bring in some zing! For the dressing, you’ll need 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, and to top it off, sprinkle on 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set!
How to Make Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad
Making this bacon ranch tortellini salad is a breeze! First, you’ll want to cook the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender but still have a little bite. Drain them well and let them cool while you prep the other ingredients.
Cooking the Tortellini
To cook the tortellini, boil a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the tortellini and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re al dente. Drain the tortellini in a colander and let them cool completely before mixing them into the salad.
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and red onion. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed—you want every bite to be as delicious as the last!
Final Touches
Now it’s time for the fun part! Drizzle the ranch dressing over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another good toss to coat everything nicely. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. It really helps those flavors meld together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Fresh ingredients that burst with flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
- Rich, creamy ranch dressing pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or toppings for variety.
- It’s gluten-free, making it a great option for many diets.
Tips for Success
Here are some pro tips to make your bacon ranch tortellini salad even more amazing! First, if you want a little kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also swap out the bacon for grilled chicken or turkey if you’re feeling extra hearty. For added freshness, toss in some chopped herbs like parsley or basil. And remember, letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is key—this lets all those delicious flavors really blend together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your bacon ranch tortellini salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, I recommend enjoying it cold, as it’s best served chilled. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it—you don’t want to mush those delicious tortellini!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each serving of this delicious bacon ranch tortellini salad, you can expect around 350 calories, with 12g of protein and 30g of carbohydrates. Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones about my bacon ranch tortellini salad:
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! If ranch isn’t your thing, try using Italian dressing or a vinaigrette for a lighter option.
What vegetables can I add?
You can get creative! Bell peppers, olives, or even avocados would be fantastic additions.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep or potlucks. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini?
Definitely! Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad: 5 Flavors That Wow You
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious bacon ranch tortellini salad that combines fresh ingredients with savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, bacon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
- Add ranch dressing and mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives.
- This salad is best served cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bacon ranch tortellini salad
