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Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad Recipe with Bacon and Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy broccoli cheddar pasta salad with crispy bacon and homemade ranch dressing, perfect as a flavorful side dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream (full-fat)
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried dill
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. In the same boiling water, add 3 cups fresh broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain again.
  3. While pasta and broccoli cook, fry 6 slices thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust buttermilk for desired consistency.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, chopped bacon, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar, ½ small finely chopped red onion, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
  6. Pour ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is key to prevent mushiness after refrigeration. Blanch broccoli quickly and shock in ice water to keep it crisp. Cook bacon slowly on medium heat for maximum crispiness. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking broccoli and tomatoes. Homemade ranch dressing is preferred for better flavor and control over saltiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

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

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