Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Printable)
Creamy pasta salad with crispy bacon, cheddar, and ranch—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 crispy bacon
10 - Additional shredded cheddar cheese
11 - Sliced green onions
# Step-by-step:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning packet until completely smooth and well blended. Set aside.
03 - Pour the dressing over cooled pasta and toss to coat evenly. Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, thawed peas, and sliced green onions until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow flavors to meld and develop. This step is essential for optimal taste.
05 - Remove from refrigerator and give it a quick stir. Garnish with additional bacon bits, extra cheddar cheese, or fresh green onion slices if desired. Serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy dressing clings to every twist of pasta, so each bite is perfectly coated with ranch flavor
- It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead entertaining
02 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or it will keep cooking and turn mushy in the salad
- The salad needs that full hour in the fridge to reach its full potential so plan accordingly
03 -
- Cook the bacon in the oven on a foil-lined sheet pan for perfectly crispy results with zero mess
- Double the dressing ingredients if you prefer a super creamy salad, especially since pasta soaks it up