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Loaded Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that brings everything you love into one colorful, delicious bowl. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer BBQs, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead lunch for busy weekdays. With each bite, you get a medley of flavors, from the creamy dressing and tangy pickles to the crunch of fresh veggies and the savory bite of bacon and cheese.

The pasta acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up all those incredible ingredients while still holding its shape. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility; you can throw in whatever’s hanging around in your fridge, and it still comes out tasting like you spent hours perfecting it.

This salad is the kind of dish that leaves your table looking like a rainbow and your guests coming back for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want to make a big batch because it disappears fast!

Why I Love This Recipe?

It takes just minutes to throw together, especially if you prep some ingredients in advance.
Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, crunchy, and savory goodness.
Make it ahead, and the flavors get even better the next day!
Add your favorite ingredients, extra veggies, olives, or even grilled chicken for more protein

Loaded Pasta Salad Recipe

This Pasta Salad is packed with all kinds of goodies! It’s a perfect side dish or even a complete meal. Loaded with pasta, crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing, this salad is as satisfying as it is flavorful.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 471 kcal

Ingredients

2 Cups Cooked Pasta any shape, medium shells recommended
2 Cups Steamed Baby Broccoli Florets
4 Slices Bacon diced
½ Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese diced into ¼-inch cubes
Salt & Pepper to taste

Dressing:

1 Cup Mayonnaise
2 tsp Ranch Seasoning Mix
1 Tbsp Cider Vinegar
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp Water
1 tsp Garlic Powder
¼ tsp Pepper

Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, cider vinegar, sugar, water, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
Prepare the Salad: In the same bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed baby broccoli florets, diced bacon, and cheddar cheese. Mix everything well to ensure it’s evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill: Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding extra ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or hard-boiled eggs.
The longer this salad chills, the better the flavors will become. It’s great to make ahead for potlucks or picnics!