Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Printable)

Creamy pasta salad with crispy bacon, cheddar, and ranch flavor perfect for summer 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

→ Optional Garnish

09 - Extra bacon, cheddar, or green onions

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
03 - Add cooled pasta to the bowl, then fold in cheddar cheese, bacon, peas, and green onions. Toss well to combine.
04 - Chill pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Garnish with extra bacon, cheddar, or green onions before serving, if desired. Serve cold.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creamy ranch dressing clings to every twist of pasta, ensuring no bland bites
  • Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar create a salty richness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
  • It actually improves overnight, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining
02 -
  • The pasta will soak up the dressing as it sits, so if you are making it ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to refresh it before serving
  • Frozen peas do not need to be cooked, just thaw them in the refrigerator or quickly under cool water
  • This salad tastes best after the flavors have had time to marry in the refrigerator for several hours
03 -
  • Cook your bacon in the oven on a foil-lined sheet pan for the easiest cleanup and perfectly even results
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded bags for the smoothest texture and best melting

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