Out to Sea Pasta Shell Salad

Name: Out to Sea Pasta Shell Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells; 2/3 cup shredded carrots; 2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed; 4 turkey bacon strips, diced and cooked; 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese; 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream; 3/4 cup fat-free milk; 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix

Here’s a healthier version of a popular boxed salad mix you can buy at the store. We absolutely love it! You can also add a little cooked chicken breast to make it heartier. &mdashAnn Timmerman, Northfield, Minnesota

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
2/3 cup shredded carrots
2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
4 turkey bacon strips, diced and cooked
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3/4 cup fat-free milk
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix

Directions

Cook shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the carrots, peas and bacon. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream. Add milk and dressing mix; beat until combined.
Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; add to vegetable mixture. Add dressing mixture; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 252 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.

Originally published as Ranch & Bacon Salad in Simple & Delicious May/June 2009

Reviews

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Average Rating:

pajamaangel

Apr 28, 2014

Very tasty the first day, but you really do need to add something to it after it's been in the refrigerator for a while to make it creamy. We add ranch dressing like another reviewer did.
tglaeser

Jan 9, 2014

I did add a little bit of regular ranch dressing after it was sitting in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. My guests enjoyed it and has since served it at their gathering
dingerbo

Aug 19, 2010

My husband and I didn't care for this salad and felt it was missing something. Not sure what that ingredient was, we thought maybe more bacon or adding cheese cubes.
smash367

Sep 25, 2009

My kids love this pasta salad. They ask for it over and over!!!
lisarenewebb

Jun 18, 2009

This was even better than the boxed pasta it is based of off. I very much enjoyed it and will keep it in my recipe box.
TSRatliff

May 14, 2009

This was a great pasta salad. Even great left over for a quick lunch or snack. I'll be making this again.