Tomato Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Healthy pasta salad made with mini shells pasta and lots of flavor. Can substitute chopped ham for the bacon bits. Better when made the day before.

• Ready In: 53 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

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.