Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta salad featuring bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup liquid ranch dressing
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped; chives alternative)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
- Chop the green onions or chives.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Stir until evenly coated.
- Fold in the grated cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use freshly grated cheddar and adjust the ranch dressing according to your creaminess preference. Consider adding lemon juice or hot sauce for extra zing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, BBQ, summer recipe, creamy dressing, potluck
