Million Dollar Pasta Salad

Million Dollar Pasta Salad is a side dish I know I can bring to a barbecue or potluck and come home with an empty bowl. It is loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar and mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and bowtie pasta, all coated in a creamy ranch dressing. I love that every bite has a little bit of everything, and it is easy to make ahead when I have other things to get ready.

I kept seeing “million dollar” recipes everywhere, and of course I had to see what all the fuss was about. After making my Million Dollar Dip, I completely understood the appeal. These recipes are usually extra creamy, cheesy, and loaded with the good stuff, so turning that same idea into a pasta salad felt like an easy choice.

Once I added bacon, two kinds of cheese, and a creamy ranch dressing, I knew this one was going to be a hit. It is a little over the top, and that is part of the fun.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Bowtie pasta: Cook the pasta just past al dente so it stays tender after chilling. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it quickly.
• Bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp so it adds a nice crunch to the salad. Save a little to sprinkle over the top before serving if you want it to look extra inviting.
• Cheddar cheese: Cut the cheddar into small cubes so you get some in every bite. A medium or sharp cheddar will give the salad more flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Use a block of low-moisture mozzarella rather than fresh mozzarella, which can release too much liquid into the salad.
• Cherry tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half so they are easier to eat, and their juices mix into the dressing. If they are especially juicy, pat them lightly with a paper towel first.
• Red onion: Dice the onion fairly small so it does not overpower the other ingredients. For a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain it well.

Dressing

• Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise gives the dressing its richest and creamiest texture. Add a spoonful more before serving if the pasta absorbs too much dressing as it chills.
• Sour cream: Use full-fat sour cream for the smoothest dressing.
• Ranch seasoning: One standard packet contains about 2 tablespoons. Taste the dressing before adding extra salt since ranch seasoning can already be quite salty.
• Apple cider vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used in its place if needed.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar softens the tanginess of the vinegar and ranch seasoning. You can leave it out if you prefer a more savory dressing.
• Salt and black pepper: Season lightly at first, then taste the salad again after it has chilled. The bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning all add saltiness.

How to Make Million Dollar Pasta Salad

• Step One: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Let cool.
• Step Two: Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl

• Step Three: Add bacon, cheeses, tomatoes, and onion to the dressing. Stir to combine.

• Step Four: Add the cooled pasta and gently toss until creamy and well coated.
• Step Five: Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve cold.

Variations and Substitutions

• Change the pasta: Rotini, shells, penne, or elbow macaroni will also work. Use about 3 cups of uncooked pasta.
• Use a different cheese: Swap the cheddar or mozzarella for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or marble cheese.
• Add chicken: Turn this into a heartier lunch by adding 1 to 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken.
• Add more vegetables: Diced cucumber, celery, red bell pepper, peas, or broccoli florets would all work well. Avoid adding too many watery vegetables, as they can thin out the dressing.
• Add fresh herbs: Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives, parsley, dill, or a combination of all three. The herbs add extra color and a fresh flavor that balances the rich, creamy dressing.
• Use green onions: Replace the red onion with ½ cup sliced green onions for a milder onion flavor.
• Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use pepper Jack cheese for a little heat.
• Swap the vinegar: White wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice can replace the apple cider vinegar. Use the same amount and adjust to taste.
• Lighten the dressing: Replace some of the mayonnaise with additional sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The dressing will be tangier and slightly less rich.
• Use homemade ranch seasoning: Replace the package with about 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning. Taste before adding salt, since seasoning blends can vary.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store Million Dollar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled when you are not serving it because the dressing contains mayonnaise and sour cream.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the salad up to one day in advance. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving.
• Before serving: If the salad seems a little dry after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to bring back the creamy texture. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar if it needs a little more tang.
• Do not freeze: Freezing is not recommended. The creamy dressing can separate after thawing, and the pasta, tomatoes, and cheese may lose their texture.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use a large mixing bowl: Pasta salad takes up more room than you might expect. A large bowl makes it easier to toss everything together without crushing the tomatoes or spilling ingredients over the sides.
• Cool the pasta completely: Warm pasta can melt the cheese and make the dressing greasy. Let it cool fully before combining it with the remaining ingredients.
• Dry the pasta well: Shake off as much water as possible after rinsing. Excess water can dilute the dressing and keep it from coating the pasta properly.
• Cut everything into similar-sized pieces: Keep the cheese, tomatoes, bacon, and onion small enough to fit easily on a fork with the bowtie pasta.
• Fold instead of stirring vigorously: Use a large spoon or rubber spatula to gently fold the salad together. This keeps the pasta and tomatoes from breaking apart.
• Taste it cold: The flavors can change once the salad is chilled. Taste it shortly before serving and adjust the pepper, vinegar, or ranch seasoning as needed.
• Save some toppings for the finish: Set aside a little bacon, cheese, or sliced green onion to scatter over the top just before serving. It makes the finished salad look more colorful and appetizing.
• Serve it with: Million Dollar Pasta Salad pairs well with burgers, grilled chicken, pulled pork, ribs, hot dogs, or sandwiches. It is a great choice for barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and summer family dinners.

Pasta Salad Recipes

• Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad
• Spinach Artichoke Pasta Salad
• Ham and Pea Pasta Salad

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