Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 5-6 cups
This salad is one of my top favorites salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and tossed in a creamy ranch sauce. This salad recipe like many of my faves is super easy and quick to whip up. It is made with easy-to-find ingredients (most of them I already have in my pantry). Backyard BBQ is never boring because of this cheddar bacon ranch tortellini salad. Super good everyone is fighting over this salad!
I super love this pasta. Instead of regular pasta, I use four-cheese tortellini. My husband loves tortellini in a pasta salad so it’s a huge plus! Also, all his fave flavors are in this amazing salad. From the crispy bacon, ranch, and cheddar cheese. Who can resist the cheddar-bacon-ranch flavor combination? No one!
For this recipe, you are welcome to use your favorite tortellini. As for the cheese, the perfect to use for this salad is sharp cheddar. And do not forget the bacon! Everything with bacon is a must! Lastly, the ranch as it brings everything together.
If you plan on making this salad in advance, you can. I usually whip this up ahead as it gives the flavors time to mix.
Ingredients
10-12 crispy bacon strips
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Fresh herbs for garnish more or less to taste
18-20 ounces, four-cheese tortellini
Ranch Sauce:
1/4 c. mayo
1/2 c. sour cream
0.4 ounces Ranch mix
3 tablespoons buttermilk
How to make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad
Step 1: Following the package directions cook the tortellini. Drain when done and place in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Whisk the ranch sauce ingredients until well blended.
Step 3: In the meantime, dice the cheese and cooked bacon strips. Then, add them to the pasta followed by the ranch mixture. Mix well until evenly coated.
Step 4: Keep the salad in the fridge until ready to serve. Before serving, garnish with some fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 642 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1012mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 429IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 3mg