Are you looking for a delicious and filling pasta salad that won't derail your diet? Look no further than the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad, which contains only 300 calories per serving.

But don't let the low calorie count fool you - this salad is packed with flavor, thanks to the tangy ranch dressing and smoky bacon bits. And with only 9 grams of fat and 42 grams of carbs per serving, it's a smart choice for those watching their macros.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the nutritional information for this pasta salad, as well as offer tips for preparation and storage.

Calories Per Serving

As previously mentioned, each serving of the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad contains 300 calories. For those on a 2,000 calorie per day diet, this represents just 15% of your daily intake. And for those looking to lose weight, it's a reasonable portion size without sacrificing taste. However, it's important to note that the actual calorie count may vary depending on how the salad is prepared and served.

Fat Content

Each serving of the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad contains 9 grams of fat. Of this, 2 grams are saturated fat - the type of fat that's best avoided in excessive amounts. However, with only 15% of your daily fat intake in one serving, it's easy to fit this salad into a balanced diet. It's worth noting that some of the fat in the salad comes from healthy sources, such as olive oil and avocado, which offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Carbohydrate Content

Each serving of the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad contains 42 grams of carbohydrates. Of this, 3 grams are fiber and 11 grams are sugar. While this may seem like a high sugar content, much of it comes naturally from ingredients like tomatoes and bell peppers. For those counting carbs, it's worth noting that the pasta in the salad is made from whole grains - a smart choice for sustained energy throughout the day.

Protein Content

Each serving of the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad contains 7 grams of protein. While this may not seem like a lot, it's a decent amount for a vegetarian pasta salad that doesn't rely on meat as a protein source. To boost the protein content further, consider adding a portion of grilled chicken or tofu to your serving.

Serving Size Information

The 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad is designed to serve four people, each with a 1/4 package serving size. However, this serving size can be adjusted based on individual caloric needs or preferences. For a heartier meal, consider doubling the serving size and adding extra protein.

Allergen Information

The 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad contains wheat and soy. This makes it unsuitable for those with a wheat or soy allergy, or for those following a gluten-free diet. It's always important to read food labels carefully to ensure that any potentially harmful allergens are avoided.

Preparation Information

To prepare the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad, simply empty the contents of the package into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup of cold water, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and mix until combined. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. For added flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs or additional vegetables like cucumber or carrot.

Storage Information

The 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad should be stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cabinet. Once prepared, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours to prevent spoilage. For best results, store in an airtight container to keep the salad fresh.

Ingredients List

The ingredients in the 1/4 package (46 g) Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad include: enriched pasta (whole wheat durum flour, semolina wheat flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), seasoning blend (buttermilk powder, salt, natural flavors (contains milk)), soybean oil, modified food starch, maltodextrin, bacon bits (cured with water, salt, sugar, smoke flavoring, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite), onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, parsley.

Nutrition Information Summary

Each serving (1/4 package, 46g) of the Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad contains: 300 calories, 9g fat, 2g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 5mg cholesterol, 570mg sodium, 42g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 11g sugar, 7g protein. The salad is a good source of iron and vitamin A, with each serving providing 8% and 10% of your daily value, respectively.