Suddenly Salad Ranch and Bacon Copycat

When Suddenly Salad came out with their Ranch and Bacon flavor, I was a big fan. But, it got to be expensive, especially since you only get 7.5 ounces in a box. Turns out, it’s so much cheaper, and just as easy, to make it yourself; and it tastes so much better than the boxed version. Pasta salads don’t have to be just for summer cookouts, it makes a great side dish any time of the year. Since it feeds a crowd, it’s ideal for those holiday and Super Bowl parties.

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Cook bacon until crisp. When cool, crumble and set aside. 

If using fresh onion (instead of onion powder), finely chop and set aside.

In large pot, bring water to a rolling boil, add pasta.

After 5 minutes, add shredded carrots and peas to water. Cook for additional 5 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

Put pasta and veggies in colander. Rinse with cold water. Drain well. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

In medium bowl, combine dry Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, onion powder (or fresh chopped onions) and milk. Mix well.

Add dressing mixture to pasta and veggies. Mix well to thoroughly combine. Add crumbled bacon. Stir well.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Stir before serving. If too dry (as mayonnaise-based pasta salads seem to soak up the mayo after refrigeration), add more mayonnaise, or milk, and stir again to thoroughly incorporate. 

SUDDENLY SALAD RANCH AND BACON COPYCAT
Source: Adapted from Food.com
Posted by: www.meldingmagic.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 box (16 ounces) dry shell pasta
• 2 cups frozen petite peas (or substitute fresh)
• 1-1/2 cups Mayonnaise - do not use Miracle Whip
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix        
• 1 cup shredded carrots, chopped slightly if shreds are too large
• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (or substitute 1 small onion, chopped fine)
• 2 Tablespoons milk, plus more if needed

DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring water to rolling boil, add pasta.
2. After 5 minutes, add shredded carrots and peas to water. Cook for additional 5 minutes, or until pasta
    is tender.
3. Place pasta and vegetables in colander. Rinse with cold water. Drain well. Transfer to a large bowl. Set
    aside.
4. In medium bowl, combine dry Ranch dressing, mayonnaise, onion powder (or fresh onion) and milk.
    Mix well.
5. Add dressing mix to pasta and vegetables. Mix well. Add crumbled bacon. Mix well to combine.
6. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Stir before serving. (If necessary, freshen up salad by adding more mayonnaise or milk. Stir well to
    combine.)