Description

This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. Featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy ranch dressing, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Chilled to meld flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion

Protein and Cheese

6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, diced celery, and diced red onion. Stir gently to combine all the solid ingredients evenly throughout the bowl.
Prepare the dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Toss pasta with dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy ranch dressing.
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly. Before serving, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayonnaise.
Add cooked chicken or peas to boost protein content and add a different texture.
Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best flavor.
Use rotini or bowtie pasta as they hold dressing well, but penne or fusilli are good alternatives.