Description
This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty side. Featuring al dente pasta combined with tangy ranch dressing, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, it delivers a deliciously satisfying balance of textures and tastes. With optional grilled chicken and fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, this salad is versatile and crowd-pleasing, served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz short pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (chives can be substituted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (pepper jack can be used for spice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Prepare the bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Lay the bacon slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 25 minutes or until crispy, then remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and ranch dressing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the green onions, grated cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped bacon. Add the optional cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and grilled chicken if using.
- Add the dressing: Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill the salad: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces on top. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and increase protein.
- Pepper jack cheese adds a nice spicy kick if you prefer more flavor.
- Adding grilled chicken makes this salad a complete meal with added protein.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors blend, but it can be served immediately if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and chicken and add more vegetables.
- Use bell peppers and tomatoes based on seasonal availability for freshness.
