Hey there party people! Drop a comment below for your pick: 49ers or Chiefs aka the Swifties? Whether you're rooting for a team or just here for the food, this recipe is a touchdown either way!
Need a game day dish that's a cut above the rest? Look no further than this Basil BLT Pasta Salad. It's bursting with flavor, offers the perfect crunch from the bacon, and boasts a tangy twist with our homemade basil ranch dressing. And yesā¦ we are still making a pasta even on Game Day, because we at my house believe thereās a pasta dish for EVERY occasion.
Check out the full recipe below and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
1 pound short pasta (I tried the colorful fusilli for extra flair!)
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups roasted corn (from frozen works great!)
1 package of bacon (approximately 10 slices), cooked and chopped
1 cup Smoked Gouda, cubed
Optional: 1 avocado, diced
Basil Ranch Dressing:
2 packets of Valley Farm ranch dressing mix (aka the GOAT)
2 cups milk
2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cups fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3-4 cloves garlic (depending on your garlic obsession)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Basil Ranch Dressing:Ā
In a blender, combine the ranch dressing mix, milk, mayonnaise, onion, chopped basil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside (and whatever you have leftover you can use for your Game Day veg!).
Pasta Salad:Ā
Pop the bacon over the stove and cook until CRISPY. The crispier the better for that good every-bite crunch.
Put frozen corn (or whatever corn you have at-home) on a baking sheet, top with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 350 degrees until golden brown.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add cubed Smoked Gouda to the hot pasta and pour over the prepared basil ranch dressing. Mix gently to combine.
As the cheese softens, chop up all your veggies and bacon. Add them to the mixing bowl and stir (add the bacon last so it remains a bit crispy.
Stir gently to combine and keep adding in the dressing to taste - make sure you combine well so you get each topping in every bite!
Optional: Slice up and pop in a diced avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve warm or cold, allowing the flavors to meld together for maximum deliciousness!
Enjoy your game day festivities with this Basil BLT Pasta Salad! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
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