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Creamy Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A creamy, cheesy pasta salad with smoky bacon and tangy ranch dressing, perfect for summer cookouts and gatherings. This chilled pasta salad combines tender rotini, crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (about 225 grams)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup diced red onion (optional)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk or regular milk
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water.
  3. Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. Alternatively, bake bacon on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for crispier results.
  4. Chop 1 cup celery, dice ½ cup red onion if using, and halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 packet ranch seasoning, and 2 tablespoons buttermilk or milk. Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste and whisk until smooth.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, celery, onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar. Pour dressing over and gently toss with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until well coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours, to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Baking bacon on a sheet pan yields crispier bacon with less mess. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors and thicken dressing. Adjust seasoning after chilling if needed. Avoid freezing as dressing may separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, summer side dish, creamy pasta salad, cheesy pasta salad, cookout recipe

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/creamy-cheesy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-side/