Description
The perfect 10-minute active prep lunch! This Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with bacon, cheddar, and a creamy, high-protein dressing.
Ingredients
1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, etc.)
1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 cup liquid ranch dressing
6 oz cheddar cheese, grated
1 lb bacon
½ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay bacon on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
2. Cook Pasta: While bacon cooks, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and place in a large bowl.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk sour cream and ranch dressing.
4. Chop Bacon: Once bacon is cool, chop into small pieces.
5. Combine: To the warm pasta, add green onions, cheese, and HALF of the bacon. Pour dressing over and stir to coat.
6. Portion: Divide the pasta salad into 10 meal prep containers. Divide the remaining bacon into 10 small, separate baggies or containers.
7. Serve: When ready to eat, top the pasta salad with the crispy bacon.
Notes
Storage: The pasta salad base will last 5 days in the fridge. The bacon “crunch packs” should be stored separately.
Warm Pasta: Tossing the dressing with warm pasta helps it absorb flavor.
Al Dente: Do not overcook pasta. It should have a firm bite.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Lunch, Meal Prep, Salad
- Method: Meal Prep
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 422mg
- Fat: 29g
- Protein: 16g