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Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To Dish

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad combines convenience and flavor, perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Short Pasta Substitute with whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing Use homemade or store-bought for ease.
For the Flavor & Crunch
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Grated; consider pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • 6 slices Bacon Cooked until crispy; swap for grilled chicken for a lighter touch.
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions Chopped; chives work well as a substitute.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Layering
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved; adds juiciness and visual appeal.
  • 1 cup Grilled Chicken Diced; adds protein.
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Diced; adds texture and color.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sheet Pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake bacon on a sheet pan for 25 minutes until crispy. Cool and chop.
  3. Whisk together sour cream and ranch dressing in a mixing bowl until smooth.
  4. Combine cooled pasta, green onions, half of the bacon, and cheddar cheese in a bowl.
  5. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture, toss gently until coated.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle remaining bacon on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 18gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Feel free to customize ingredients based on personal preferences and dietary needs.

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