Print

Savory Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Creamy Ranch Dressing

broccoli bacon cheddar pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and hearty pasta salad combining crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying meal any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
  • 3 cups (about 300 g) broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 tsp dill weed (dried) or 1 tbsp fresh chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. During the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add 3 cups (about 300 g) chopped broccoli florets to the boiling water.
  3. Drain pasta and broccoli in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool everything down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  4. While pasta cooks, fry 6-8 bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, and ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk until smooth. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh chives, 1 tsp dill weed, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. To the bowl with pasta and broccoli, add the cooked bacon, 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar, and ¼ cup finely diced red onion (if using). Pour the ranch dressing over the top.
  7. Toss everything gently to coat evenly without breaking up the pasta or broccoli.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste before serving and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Add broccoli to pasta pot during last 2 minutes to keep crisp-tender. Cook bacon until crisp but not brittle for best texture. Toss gently to avoid breaking pasta and broccoli. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Can be made ahead and tastes better after resting overnight. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit or replace cheddar.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://savoryrecipes.info/savory-broccoli-bacon-cheddar-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-creamy-ranch-dressing/