Tomato Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Total Time: 53 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 10
• 1 lb small shell pasta
• 4 quarts water
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green celery, not hearts
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 2 vine ripened tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, seeded and peeled
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 1/2 ounces bacon bits
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese or 1/4 cup swiss cheese or 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup bacon ranch dressing
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup low fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Recipe

• 1 cook pasta according to directions on package. drain, rinse, and cool.
• 2 in a blender, add celery, onions, carrots, tomatoes, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. blend well. can add a little milk if needed, but dressing should be fairly thick.
• 3 in separate large bowl, add chopped cucumbers, salt and pepper, parsley, shredded swiss cheese, bacon bits, and chopped eggs. mix well.
• 4 add cooled and rinsed shells to the bowl and mix. add blender dressing and mix well. best if made the day before.