Loaded Pasta Salad with Eggs and Bacon

Loaded Pasta Salad with Eggs and Bacon

Introduction:

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor and texture? This Loaded Pasta Salad with Eggs and Bacon is the ultimate combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory goodness. With perfectly cooked pasta, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich dressing, this salad is a guaranteed hit at picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish. The balance of smoky bacon, tangy dressing, and protein-packed eggs makes it not only delicious but also satisfying enough to be a meal on its own!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped cucumber or celery (for crunch)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped eggs, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and shredded cheese.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve chilled.

Conclusion:

This Loaded Pasta Salad with Eggs and Bacon is creamy, flavorful, and packed with satisfying ingredients. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from summer BBQs to quick weeknight dinners. Serve it as a side with grilled meats or enjoy it as a standalone meal. One bite, and it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection! 🥓🍳🍝