Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Cook the Bacon
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and chop green onions if using.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes, and dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
Add Lettuce and Serve
- Gently fold in the chopped lettuce and green onions just before serving. Chill for about 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
- Add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
- If the pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice.
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar cheese or diced avocado.
- Thick-cut bacon gives the best smoky texture.
- The salad tastes even better after chilling for 30–60 minutes.
