How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad | How To Feed a Loon

ranch dressing

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: colby jack cheese

Colby jack is often less expensive and still flavorful.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: bacon bits

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while bacon bits save on cooking time.

green onions

🥗Healthier: chives

💰Cheaper: regular onions

Chives add a similar flavor, while regular onions are more economical.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add 12 ounces of fusilli pasta to the boiling water and stir gently.

Cook the pasta for 12-13 minutes until al dente, then drain it in a colander.

Rinse the pasta under cold water until it cools off, then shake off excess water and transfer to a large bowl.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a baking sheet with foil and place 6-8 strips of center cut bacon on it.

Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

Remove the bacon from the oven, crumble it, and set aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup mayonnaise to make the ranch dressing.

Add 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the dressing mixture and stir well.

Transfer the ranch dressing to a mason jar and let it chill for at least an hour to meld the flavors.

In the large bowl with the cooled pasta, add crumbled bacon, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup black olives.

Pour the chilled ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.

Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens