Bacon Vegetable Pasta Salad

This is another salad that is good as a side dish or as a light meal.  We really enjoy this one.

BACON VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD
(serves 8)

Ingredients:
*1 (12 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
*10 slices bacon
*3/4 cup mayonnaise
*4 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
*1/2 cup milk, or as needed
*1 large tomato, chopped
*1 carrot, peeled & sliced
*1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
*1 cucumber, seeds removed & diced
*1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, diced

Directions:
~Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
~Stir in rotini pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, drain.
~Place bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until evenly brown.
~Drain, cool & crumble bacon.
~In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, seasoned pepper & milk, until smooth.
~Place bacon, tomato, carrot, red pepper, cucumber, rotini, cheese and dressing in a large bowl toss until well coated.
~Cover and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Variation:
-Add 1/2 cup black olives