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Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad: Your Summer BBQ Star

This Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, crowd-pleasing side perfect for any summer gathering, featuring creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Rotini or Elbow Macaroni Use short pasta to catch the dressing.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Sour Cream For a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat.
  • 1 cup Liquid Ranch Dressing Consider homemade for better flavor.
For the Mix-Ins
  • 6 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grated for texture and flavor.
  • 6-8 slices Crispy Bacon Cook until crispy.
  • ¼ cup Green Onions Can substitute with chives.
Optional Add-Ins
  • Diced Tomatoes or Bell Peppers For added color and crunch.
  • Quinoa or Gluten-Free Pasta For gluten-free option.
  • Feta Cheese For a tangier kick.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring Cups
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
  2. Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC), bake bacon on a lined sheet pan for approx. 25 minutes until crispy. Chop after cooling.
  3. Whisk together sour cream and ranch dressing in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped green onions, grated cheddar, and half of the bacon. Fold to mix.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta salad, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly.
  6. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, top with remaining bacon and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Add remaining bacon just before serving to maintain crispiness. Customize with veggies or alternative pasta as desired.

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