Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Printer-friendly)
Creamy pasta salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. A crowd-pleasing side perfect for cookouts and gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz rotini or elbow macaroni
→ Dairy & Dressings
02 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup sour cream
04 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
05 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
→ Proteins
06 - 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
→ Vegetables
07 - 2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
08 - 3 stalks green onions, sliced thin
→ Optional Garnish
09 - Extra bacon, cheddar, or green onions
# Directions:
01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cooled pasta to the dressing mixture. Gently fold in cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, thawed peas, and sliced green onions until evenly distributed.
04 - Refrigerate pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and develop. The salad tastes best when thoroughly chilled.
05 - Top with additional bacon, cheddar cheese, or green onions if desired. Serve cold alongside grilled meats, BBQ, or as a standalone dish.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy ranch dressing hugs every curve of the pasta so no bite is dry
- Bacon and sharp cheddar create this salty rich combo that keeps people coming back for more
02 -
- The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so the salad will seem creamier right after mixing than after chilling
- Crispy bacon is crucial because soft bacon disappears into the background
03 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process completely
- Taste before serving and add a pinch of salt if needed, since the bacon and cheese are already salty