Description
Hearty bacon ranch pasta salad celebrates classic American comfort cuisine with crisp bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and tender pasta. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) cavatappi pasta
- 1 pkg (12 oz / 340 g) bacon
- 1 pint (473 ml) grape tomatoes, halved
- 6 oz (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (150 g) thawed frozen peas
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 tsps kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped flat-leaf parsley
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh dill
- 1 small jar (4 oz / 113 g) pimentos, drained
- 1 can (3.8 oz / 108 g) sliced black olives, drained
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil water in a large pot with salt, then cook cavatappi pasta until slightly past al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, allowing pasta to cool completely.
- Bacon Transformation: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small, rustic pieces once cooled.
- Dressing Fusion: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a large mixing bowl. Blend in minced parsley, dill, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper, creating a robust, tangy base.
- Ingredient Integration: Combine cooled pasta with grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green peas, pimentos, and black olives. Fold in half the bacon crumbles and sliced green onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
- Final Flourish: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with remaining bacon bits and fresh dill sprigs, presenting a vibrant and flavor-packed pasta salad that promises a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta one minute longer than package instructions for perfect al dente consistency, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Bacon Browning Technique: Cook bacon over medium heat, turning frequently to ensure even crispness without burning, which prevents bitter taste and maintains ideal crunchiness.
- Dressing Balance Mastery: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base that evenly coats pasta and enhances overall flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salad up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator; add bacon garnish just before serving to maintain crisp texture and fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg