BLT Salad

Happy Tuesday all!  Hope the week is going well so far.  Prayers to all those that need them.  I really believe spring didn't stick around long enough.  I mean, I know, that by the calendar it is not summer yet.  But if you go by the temperature lately then it sure is lol!  So, salad time.  This one is super easy and works great in the winter to remind you of the summer, only the tomatoes will not be as good.  I used greek yogurt in place of the sour cream, enjoy!

BLT Salad

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 clove garlic pressed through a garlic press
3 teaspoons dry ranch dip mix
9 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons crumbled bacon (can use bacon bits), divided (I used fresh cooked bacon, much better)
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
Make Spinach Dip w/ Ranch Seasoning Mix

Directions:
In a small bowl mix together sour cream, garlic, ranch dip mix and 1 tablespoon of the crumbled bacon. Refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the salad. It tastes best when it has had at least an hour to sit so the flavors can blend together.
Cook pasta according to directions, then strain and rinse with cold water, and strain again.
Mix pasta with dressing, and then toss with baby spinach and tomatoes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of crumbled bacon on top. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes:
I used about 3/4 of the dressing for this salad, but I tend to like my salads dressed lightly.

"This recipe was inspired by a pasta salad that I had at a Pampered Chef party years ago."  This quote came directly from my copy of the recipe!  I also agree with her about lightly dressing the salad.  You can make it totally to your liking!