Because I love to cook, some of my blogs will be showcasing my favorite recipes from time to time. This such blog is a recipe I copied down from my Aunt Carol’s collection not too long ago. I’ve made it twice now, and though I haven’t tried all that many varieties of pasta salad, this one is my current favorite. The mix of the Ranch dressing and barbecue sauce gives it a cool and smoky flavor, the chicken and bacon meat it up, and I’m a huge lover of peppers and onions.
It’s not exactly the type of recipe I was planning on adding to my “Cookbook” section here on this site, but it’s too good not to share, and it deserves a spotlight at least, since I do consider it a favorite.
I think it’s a perfect dish for summer cookouts, but would also work well for potlucks in the early fall.
Enjoy “Western Barbecue Pasta Salad”:
Western Barbecue Pasta Salad
– 1 lb. garden rotini pasta
– 1 cup Ranch dressing
– ¾ cup barbecue sauce
– ⅔ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 7 to 8 slices)
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
– ½ cup green pepper, chopped
– ½ cup peeled, seeded and chopped cucumber
– ½ cup red onion, chopped
– ½ cup green onions
– parmesan cheese (optional)
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
Mix Ranch dressing and barbecue sauce; pour over pasta in a very large serving bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss to combine.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if desired. Chill several hours before serving.
Recipe Source: Unknown
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