Bacon Reaper Ranch Pasta Salad

This Bacon Reaper Ranch Pasta Salad brings serious flavor to cookouts, parties, and game day. Rotini pasta, crispy bacon, grape tomatoes, and Colby Jack cheese are tossed in a homemade ranch dressing powered by Blazing Star BBQ Reaper Rub. The result is creamy, smoky, spicy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite.

Recipe Details

Servings	6 to 8 servings
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Chill Time	1 hour
Total Time	1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

• 16 ounces rotini pasta
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, cubed

Reaper Ranch Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons Blazing Star BBQ Reaper Rub
• 1/2 teaspoon MSG, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, allow it to cool, and chop it into bite-size pieces.
2. Cook the pasta. Boil the rotini according to the package directions. Drain the cooked pasta and allow it to cool.
3. Prepare the Reaper Ranch. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried parsley, Blazing Star BBQ Reaper Rub, and optional MSG until evenly combined.
4. Assemble the pasta salad. Add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, sliced grape tomatoes, and cubed Colby Jack cheese to a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the dressing. Pour the Reaper Ranch over the pasta mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Chill and serve. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve cold.

Mike’s Notes

• Let the pasta cool before adding the ranch dressing.
• Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour so the flavors can come together.
• The MSG is completely optional. The Reaper Rub provides plenty of bold flavor on its own.
• Keep the finished pasta salad refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Bacon Reaper Ranch Pasta Salad?

The Reaper Rub gives the ranch a bold kick, but the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk help balance the heat. It is spicy without losing the ranch flavor.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes. It can be prepared several hours before serving and kept covered in the refrigerator. Stir it again before serving.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within 3 to 4 days.

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