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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Ranch Dressing

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A creamy and indulgent pasta salad combining sharp cheddar, fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for gatherings and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes (penne or rotini work great)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into small bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes.
  2. During the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let drain well.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 3/4 cup ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta and broccoli, chopped bacon, and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add optional red onion and cherry tomatoes if using.
  6. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir gently and garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to keep it creamy but not soggy. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and maintain bacon crispness. Blanch broccoli by adding it to pasta water for last 2 minutes to keep it tender-crisp. Bacon can be baked in the oven as an alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, ranch dressing pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-broccoli-cheddar-pasta-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-ranch-dressing/