A delightful twist on the classic pasta salad, combining creamy ranch flavors with a zesty kick.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Mixing the dressing separately ensures even distribution of flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat it evenly with the dressing.
Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Fold in the crispy bacon and chopped green onions.
Adding the bacon and onions last keeps them from getting soggy.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve the pasta salad in a large serving bowl and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation.