Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite, combining crispy bacon, tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet peas, and a cool ranch dressing. It's the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, cheddar cheese, peas, crumbled bacon, chives, and parsley to the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Can be prepared a day ahead for best flavor.