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Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe with Bacon Peas and Cheddar

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A creamy ranch pasta salad featuring smoky bacon, sweet peas, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect as an easy and satisfying side dish for gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Flip occasionally for even cooking. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. When cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Place 1 cup frozen peas in a bowl and pour warm water over them for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup ranch dressing, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup sour cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Add drained pasta, peas, chopped bacon, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly, folding rather than stirring vigorously to keep pasta intact.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and salad thicken.
  7. Give the salad one last gentle toss before serving. Taste again and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Fry bacon to crispy but not burnt. Fold salad gently to avoid breaking pasta. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Salad keeps well refrigerated up to 3 days. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free variety. For dairy-free, use vegan ranch and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch dressing, bacon, peas, cheddar, creamy salad, easy side dish, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-with-bacon-peas-and-cheddar-easy-perfect-side-dish/