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Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Dish

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, customizable, and creamy dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
  • 1 cup liquid ranch dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated) can swap for pepper jack
  • 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy
  • ½ cup green onions (chopped) or chives as a substitute
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup grilled chicken (diced) for a protein-packed option
  • 1 cup bell peppers (diced)

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool to room temperature.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lay out bacon in a single layer. Bake for about 25 minutes until crispy. Cool slightly and chop.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and ranch dressing. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, green onions, cheddar cheese, and half the bacon. Toss gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold until well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad gently, sprinkle remaining bacon on top, and garnish with more green onions. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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