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Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy ranch pasta salad with rotini, bacon, and cheddar in a bowl.
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A perfect pasta salad for real life, built for backyard barbecues and potlucks. The key is shocking the cooked noodles in ice water for a firm, satisfying chew, then coating them in a homemade, flavor-packed creamy ranch dressing that clings to every noodle and fresh veggie.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound (16 oz) short pasta, like rotini or fusilli
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavor)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. While it cooks, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
  2. As soon as the pasta is done, drain it and immediately plunge it into the ice bath. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until completely cold, then drain very well.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cheddar cheese, bacon, and fresh parsley.
  5. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Always shock the pasta in ice water to prevent mushiness. Drain the pasta very well to avoid a watery salad. The dressing should taste bold on its own, as the pasta will absorb the flavors. For make-ahead, prepare up to 24 hours in advance, but consider adding bacon just before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/creamy-ranch-pasta-salad/