Description

A creamy, cheesy, and crunchy pasta salad that holds up well in the heat, making it the perfect easy side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) Rotini or Penne Pasta
Water and Salt (for boiling pasta)
8–10 slices Thick-cut Bacon (preferably applewood smoked)
2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded from a block
4–5 stalks Green Onions, sliced
1 cup Celery, finely diced
1 packet (1 ounce) Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
1 cup (240g) Full-fat Sour Cream
1 cup (240g) Full-fat Mayonnaise
2–3 tablespoons Milk

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down.
While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy and golden brown (4-5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels, let cool, and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, and dry ranch dressing mix until smooth. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat every noodle.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Fold everything together until evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Stir well before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not skip rinsing the pasta with cold water to prevent mushiness. Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. This dish tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Do not freeze, as dairy will separate and pasta will become mushy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 680
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 2
Protein: 15

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon cheddar ranch, labor day side dish, summer recipes, potluck ideas, make ahead meal, easy side dish, picnic food