Loaded Pasta Salad Recipe
A creamy, flavorful Loaded Pasta Salad that combines tender cooked pasta with crispy bacon, sharp cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main course, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup creamy dressing (such as ranch or mayonnaise-based dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cooled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked and cooled pasta to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Try adding chopped green onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- Dress the salad just before serving if you prefer less creamy texture.
Keywords: loaded pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad
Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/loaded-pasta-salad-recipe/
