Description
A fast and foolproof pasta salad with creamy ranch dressing, crunchy bacon, and tender pasta, perfect for parties and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (rotini or elbow)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup liquid ranch dressing
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup grilled chicken (optional)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
Instructions
- Cook pasta to just-al-dente. Drain and run under cold water until lukewarm.
- Mix sour cream and ranch until smooth. Taste for seasoning; adjust with salt if needed.
- Toss cooled pasta with dressing until evenly coated.
- Fold in cheese, green onions, tomatoes, and peppers. Add chicken if using.
- Crumble bacon over the top and fold once, preserving crispness.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Avoid adding dressing while pasta is hot. If the salad seems dry, add more ranch to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg