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Creamy Cowboy Pasta Salad Delight

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A tangy, smoky, and creamy pasta salad perfect for summer BBQs, combining rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a homemade ranch-style dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or tri-color pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Let pasta drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices thick-cut bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup red bell pepper, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion, and roughly chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and gently toss with a silicone spatula or large spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Give it a gentle stir before plating. The salad tastes best cold or slightly chilled.
  7. If the salad feels dry after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or a little more honey. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness.

Notes

Cool pasta completely before mixing to prevent melting cheese and watery salad. Crisp bacon slowly over medium heat or bake in oven for even crispiness. Fresh cilantro brightens the salad; parsley can be substituted. Add a splash of pickle juice for extra tang. Salad holds well refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir and add a splash of milk or mayo before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, BBQ side dish, summer salad, cowboy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, rotini salad

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-cowboy-pasta-salad-delight-easy-recipe-for-summer-bbqs/