This pasta salad is so delicious and easy to make, you'll make it often. It's light, flavorful and will be a big hit whenever you serve it.
12 oz. package bacon, divided
16 oz. box fusilli pasta
1 c. real mayonnaise
3/4 c. whole milk
1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
2 c. thinly sliced romaine lettuce
1/2 c. chopped red onion
1/4 c. chopped fresh herbs, like dill and/or parsley
Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning as needed, until the bacon is golden and crispy, 8 - 10 minutes. (The bacon may need to be cooked in 2 batches, draining the fat from the skillet between batches.)
Place the bacon on a paper towel lined plate to cool to room temperature; crumble into bite-sized pieces.
While bacon is frying, cook the pasta according to package directions, about 10-13 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water; let cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, grated cheese and pepper. Add cooled pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, herbs and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Fold together to coat.
Serve, topped with remaining crumbled bacon.
8-10 servings.