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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Pasta Salad with Bacon Ranch Dressing

creamy loaded baked potato pasta salad - featured image
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A creamy and flavorful pasta salad inspired by loaded baked potato flavors, topped with a smoky bacon ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or shell pasta
  • 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 cup prepared ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the diced russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until potatoes are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In the same pot or a separate one, bring salted water to a boil and add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  3. While pasta and potatoes cook, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooked potatoes, pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions to the bowl with dressing. Gently fold everything together, taking care not to break the potatoes.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with fresh chives if desired.

Notes

Cook potatoes until just tender and let cool before mixing to prevent breaking. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent gumminess. For bacon, slow and steady cooking yields best crispiness. Salad tastes better after chilling at least 1 hour or overnight. Add extra ranch or milk if salad feels dry before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, baked potato, bacon ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer salad, comfort food

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-pasta-salad-with-bacon-ranch-dressing-recipe-made-easy/