Description
A delicious and creamy pasta salad loaded with flavors and textures, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) rotini, bow tie, or shell pasta
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- 1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp milk (if needed to thin the dressing)
- 10 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- Optional: ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- Optional: ½ cup diced bell peppers
- Optional: ¼ cup sliced black olives
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If the dressing is too thick, stir in the milk one tablespoon at a time until smooth.
- Add to the cooled pasta crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green onions, peas, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even better flavor.
- Stir before serving. Garnish with extra bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, and parsley. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavors.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg