Crispy, creamy, and full of crunch, this ranch pasta salad brings bacon, lettuce, and tomato together with a tangy twist and a buttery panko topping.
—Recipes by Chef Steph
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Tbsp. garlic-and-herb butter
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1 (1-oz.) envelope ranch dressing mix
- 4 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 (16-oz.) pkg. how tie pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
- 2 1/2 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce (from 1 romaine heart)
- 1 lb. thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups assorted grape tomatoes, halved
DIRECTIONS
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Heat butter in a small skillet over medium until melted and bubbly. Add panko, and cook, stirring often, until toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl, and set aside.
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Whisk together mayonnaise, milk, ranch dressing mix, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl.
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Add cooked pasta, scallions, lettuce, bacon, and tomatoes; toss gently until combined and coated with dressing. Sprinkle with toasted panko and additional sliced scallions just before serving.

