BLT Pasta Salad with Tortellini

BLT Pasta Salad with Tortellini

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is it about summer that inspires me to make a cool and creamy pasta salad?  Not sure but I was inspired to make something different today. I was making my BLT sandwich when I thought about how good the ingredients would taste in a salad. So, I already had the ingredients sitting in front of me … the cold, crisp Romaine lettuce, the juicy ripe tomatoes, the smokey bacon. I was onto something here.  I needed a creamy dressing so, I decided on my homemade ranch with lots of fresh dill and pepper.  Then choosing the pasta…what pasta do I choose?   Well, cheese Tortellini was the perfect choice!  This turned out to be one of the best pasta salads I have ever made. Perfect for any cookout, potluck, or family gathering and I predict this will go way up on your favorite salad list.

 

BLT Pasta Salad with Tortellini

.

3 cups washed and chopped romaine lettuce

1 pint cherry tomatoes

5 slices bacon

1 8-ounce block of Monterrey Jack cheese

½ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup whole milk

3 tablespoons or 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix

1 teaspoon dried dill

½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

 

First chopped your raw bacon and fry it in a skillet over medium high heat.  When bacon is slightly crisp, remove it with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined bowl.  Set aside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, using a sharp knife cut your block of cheese into small bite size pieces.  Set aside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Slice your cherry tomatoes in half.  Then chop your romaine lettuce into bite size pieces and set aside with the tomatoes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add enough water to a large pot to cover pasta.  Be sure to add salt to the water and allow to boil.  Pour in the Tortellini and cook as directed on package. When pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with cool water. Let cool for 5 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this point you are ready to toss your salad and add to individual serving bowls.  Make sure you get a little of everything!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homemade Ranch Dressing

 

In a jar with a lid, add the mayonnaise, milk, Ranch seasoning, dill, and pepper. Screw on the lid and shake to combine all the ingredients. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drizzle the dressing over each salad. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.  Allow your guests to toss and add more dressing to their liking.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator, covered. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography is the property of and copyright to Welcome Home.