Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients

1 {12 ounce} package uncooked penne pasta
10 slices bacon, cooked crisped and chopped
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped olives, we used Pearls Pitted Medley Greek Olives
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper { table grind }
2/3 cup milk {we used 2%}

Directions

Prepare the pasta per the box instructions for al dente pasta, rinse under cold water and drain. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, bacon, tomatoes, olives and onion.

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder and pepper. Slowly stir in the milk and mix together until the dressing is nice and smooth.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving {you want the dressing to have a chance to soak into the pasta} and serve chilled. This salad will last for a few days in the fridge, and in my opinion, it gets better each day. This is the perfect make ahead side dish.