This Fresh Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese. It’s a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Mueller’s Cut Macaroni (or any small-shaped pasta)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced into small chunks
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 5-6 green onions, chopped
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and then crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (based on preference)
- 1 package Hidden Valley Ranch dry salad dressing & seasoning mix
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, traditional cut
Directions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip) with the Hidden Valley Ranch dry salad dressing mix.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and gently stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Fresh Vegetables:
- Add the diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions to the pasta.
- Gently fold these ingredients into the pasta to distribute them evenly without crushing the tomatoes.
- Incorporate Bacon and Cheese:
- Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.
- Mix all ingredients gently to combine everything into a uniform mixture.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
This Fresh Pasta Salad is a delicious, creamy dish with a perfect balance of flavors from the fresh vegetables, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy it as a side or a light main dish!