Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

ingredients  

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells, rotini, penne
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 2 cups chicken cooked & chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced, divided
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese cut into ¼-inch cubes
  • ½ avocado for garnish, optional

dressing

  •  cup mayonnaise
  •  cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons milk or as needed
  • 2 teaspoons fresh chives or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 teaspoons fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley or 1 ½ teaspoon dried
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt & black pepper to taste

instructions

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel lined plate to cool. If desired, whisk 1 tablespoon bacon grease into the dressing.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Set aside 1 tablespoon of green onions and half of the bacon for garnish.
  • Toss all ingredients in a large bowl except dressing. Add dressing to taste (there may be leftover dressing).

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