Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Creamy pasta salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch. Perfect crowd-pleasing side for any gathering.

# 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

→ For Garnish (Optional)

09 - Extra bacon, cheddar, or green onions

# Steps:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. 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. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, thawed peas, and sliced green onions. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Cover and refrigerate pasta salad for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop. The salad tastes best when thoroughly chilled.
05 - Before serving, garnish with additional bacon, cheddar cheese, or green onions if desired. Serve cold alongside grilled meats, barbecue, or as a standalone dish.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy ranch dressing clings to every twist of pasta, ensuring no bland bites
  • Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar create that perfect salty, savory combination everyone craves
  • It actually tastes better after chilling, making it ideal for make ahead entertaining
02 -
  • Never skip rinsing the pasta under cold water or the starch will make the dressing slide right off
  • The salad needs that full hour of chilling time or the flavors will taste separate and unremarkable
03 -
  • Cook the bacon ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so this recipe comes together in minutes
  • Use a box grater to shred your own cheddar cheese since pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting

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