Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad
A delicious pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch dressing, perfect for gatherings and barbecues.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or elbow macaroni, or shells) You can use any pasta shape you prefer.
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup liquid ranch dressing
Flavor Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated fresh for better flavor)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped; chives are an alternative)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and ranch dressing, stirring until well blended.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl, mixing to coat evenly.
- Chop the crispy bacon and add it to the pasta, along with the cheddar cheese and green onions.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. You can replace bacon with grilled zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.