Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Creamy pasta salad with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. A crowd-pleasing side that's perfect for any gathering.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 (28 g) 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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Cook the 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.

# Tips from hearthlykitchen:

01 -
  • The creamy ranch coating clings to every twist of pasta so nobody gets a dry bite
  • Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar make it impossible to stop eating
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day
02 -
  • The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so make the dressing slightly thicker than you think is necessary
  • Cook the bacon until it is extra crispy because it softens once mixed into the salad
03 -
  • Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate guests without sacrificing texture
  • Spring for good quality bacon because the flavor really matters here

Go Back