BLT Pasta Salad
Serves 6-8
(I will post my pictures tomorrow!)
Here is what you need:
1 pound short pasta (I like short rigatoni)
1/2 red onion, chopped (can soak in water for an hour or so to mellow the onion or you can cook in some olive oil and salt until just tender)
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes sliced in half
8 slices of cooked bacon. chopped (you can set aside some bacon for topping if you want)
2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce (or arugula, spinach...what ever you like)
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1//4 cup sour cream
1 TBS apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Here is what you need to do:
Cook the pasta per package directions. When done strain and run under cold water to stop it from cooking. Let it drain completely.
In a medium bowl combine the ranch, mayo, sour cream and vinegar. Season with some salt (very little) and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
In a large bowl gently combine the onion, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes. Fold in the pasta then fold in the dressing. Don't dump it all in at once. You might find it to be too much. Save it for another time if you don't use it all. I don't like my pasta salad (or any salad) overdressed.
You can cover and chill in the fridge for a while if you want to or eat it right away, your choice.
Place into a serving bowl and top with chopped bacon and parsley. Lets Eat!!
Photo: Getty Images