Description
A creamy, crunchy, and perfectly portioned single-serving pasta salad that comes together in just 20 minutes, featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a light ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked penne pasta (100g)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (40g)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (50g)
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped (20g)
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing (45ml)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (30g)
- 1/4 cup diced celery (25g)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, place bacon slices in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until dark and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and Greek yogurt until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the drained pasta to the dressing and toss well to coat. Crumble the crispy bacon and add it to the bowl along with the chopped green onions and diced celery.
- Toss everything together until evenly distributed. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
- For best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will soften further when mixed with the dressing. Rinse the pasta with cold water to prevent the cheese from melting and to keep the salad fresh. Add bacon last to maintain its crunchiness. This salad does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hearty bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: small-batch recipe, single serving lunch, bacon ranch pasta, quick pasta salad, easy lunch ideas, meal prep for one