Description

A heat-proof, smoky pasta salad designed for outdoor events like tailgates and BBQs. It features a stable vinaigrette-style ranch dressing, grilled bacon, and sturdy ingredients that hold up well in warm weather without separating or spoiling.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz rotini pasta
12 oz thick-cut bacon
1 cup heavy mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 stalks green onions, sliced

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook for 1 minute less than package directions (al dente).
Prepare an ice bath with ice and cold water. Drain the pasta immediately and transfer it to the ice bath. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.
Preheat grill to medium heat. Cook thick-cut bacon on grates for 4 minutes per side until crispy and charred. Remove, let cool, and chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooled pasta to the dressing bowl and toss to coat. Add chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, and diced red onion. Toss to distribute evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Top with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the ice bath step; it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Use thick-cut bacon to ensure it crisps on the grill without burning. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. Keep the salad in a cooler with ice packs if serving outdoors in hot weather; discard if left out for more than 2 hours.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 800
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 2
Protein: 15

Keywords: tailgate food, pasta salad, bacon ranch, outdoor cooking, grill side dish, make ahead salad, heat proof salad, game day food