Addictive Crack Pasta Salad (Print version)

Creamy pasta with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini or elbow macaroni

→ Dairy & Dressings

02 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup sour cream
04 - ½ cup mayonnaise
05 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

→ Proteins

06 - 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

→ Vegetables

07 - ⅔ cup frozen peas, thawed
08 - 3 stalks green onions, sliced thin

# How to make it:

01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour dressing over cooled pasta and fold in cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, thawed peas, and sliced green onions. Toss gently until evenly distributed.
04 - Refrigerate pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with additional bacon, cheese, or green onions if desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • The creamy ranch dressing coats every single curve of pasta so you get flavor in every bite
  • Crispy bacon adds this irresistible smoky crunch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge making it the ultimate make ahead dish
02 -
  • The pasta will seem slightly overdressed at first but it soaks up so much moisture in the fridge so do not be tempted to reduce the sauce ingredients
  • This recipe actually improves overnight so making it the day before is not just acceptable it is preferred and the flavors become so much more pronounced
03 -
  • I always make a double batch because it vanishes faster than you expect and having leftovers means an easy lunch the next day
  • Shredding your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre shredded makes the texture so much creamier because those anti caking agents on bagged cheese can make the dressing feel grainy

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