Description
A delicious and creamy pasta salad featuring bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing, perfect for family gatherings and summer BBQs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (Rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup liquid ranch dressing
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup grilled chicken (optional)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, combine sour cream and ranch dressing, stirring until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooled pasta to the dressing and toss gently.
- Add the mix-ins: Fold in bacon, cheddar, green onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and grilled chicken if using.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Remove from fridge, stir gently, and serve chilled.
Notes
For extra flavor, garnish with additional green onions or crispy bacon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pasta salad, creamy dressing, bacon, cheddar, ranch, summer salad, side dish