Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Print Version)
Creamy pasta loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar, and ranch flavor. 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
→ For Garnish (Optional)
09 - Extra bacon, cheddar, or green onions
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold water to stop cooking process, 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 bowl with dressing. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, thawed peas, and sliced green onions. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Refrigerate pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and develop. This step is essential for optimal taste and texture.
05 - Remove from refrigerator. Garnish with additional crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, or green onions if desired. Serve cold alongside grilled meats or BBQ.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy ranch dressing clings to every spiral of pasta while the bacon adds this incredible smoky crunch that keeps you reaching for just one more bite
- You can throw it together in under 40 minutes but it tastes like you spent all day planning something special
02 -
- I learned the hard way that warm pasta makes the dressing turn into a weird gloppy mess, so don't rush the cooling step
- This salad actually tastes better after sitting overnight, which is fantastic news for meal prep
03 -
- Cook your bacon in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and you'll get perfectly crispy pieces without all the stovetop mess
- Use a box grater to shred your own cheese instead of buying the pre-shredded stuff for the creamiest results