Cheesy Loaded Potato & Pasta Salad Delight
This Cheesy Loaded Potato & Pasta Salad Delight is the perfect dish to impress your family and friends. Combining tender baby potatoes, vibrant tri-color rotini, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli, this salad is not only colorful but bursting with flavor. Creamy and tangy dressing binds these ingredients together, while sharp cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of richness. Whether you're hosting a picnic, a potluck, or simply looking for a hearty side dish to accompany your meal, this loaded potato pasta salad is sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby potatoes
2 lbs (Quartered after boiling)
Bacon
8 slices (Diced and cooked until crispy)
Tri-color rotini pasta
1/2 lb (Cooked according to package directions and cooled)
Broccoli florets
2 cups (Steamed)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (Cubed (1 cup for salad, 1/2 cup for garnish))
Chives
4 tablespoons (Chopped, divided)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (Additional for topping)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup
Buttermilk
1/3 cup
Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Kosher salt
to taste
Ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Loaded Potato & Pasta Salad Delight?
It is a hearty side dish that combines tender baby potatoes, tri-color rotini pasta, crispy bacon, and steamed broccoli in a creamy, tangy dressing.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of baby potatoes, which are boiled and then quartered for the perfect bite-sized texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While tri-color rotini is recommended for its color and ability to hold dressing, you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
How should the bacon be prepared?
You should use 8 slices of bacon, diced and cooked until they are crispy before adding them to the salad.
Is the broccoli in this salad raw?
No, the 2 cups of broccoli florets should be steamed before being mixed into the salad.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, which is cubed rather than shredded for a better texture.
How is the cheese distributed in the salad?
Use 1 cup of the cubed sharp cheddar inside the salad and reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for garnish on top.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from a blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is excellent when made ahead as it allows the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.
How should I serve this potato and pasta salad?
It is best served chilled, making it an ideal side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues.
What is the purpose of adding apple cider vinegar to the dressing?
The apple cider vinegar provides a necessary tanginess that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/3 cup of regular milk.
How do I garnish this dish?
Garnish the salad with the reserved 1/2 cup of cubed cheddar cheese, extra chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it contains bacon. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets, but ensure they are steamed and well-drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
How many chives are needed?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of chopped chives, which are divided between the salad and the garnish.
Why use tri-color rotini?
Tri-color rotini adds a vibrant visual appeal to the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Can I use low-fat mayonnaise or sour cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat versions, though the final result may be slightly less creamy and rich.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinsing the pasta in cold water after cooking helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from sticking.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the bacon.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe to better control the seasoning level.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Red onions, peas, or diced bell peppers would make excellent additions to this loaded salad.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this salad gluten-free?
No, the rotini pasta contains gluten. You can make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta substitute.
Does this salad freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing may separate and the vegetables may lose their texture.
What meat dishes pair well with this salad?
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or roasted pork.
Can I use dried chives instead of fresh?
Fresh chives are preferred for their bright flavor, but you can use 1-2 tablespoons of dried chives if fresh are unavailable.
How do I ensure the potatoes aren't mushy?
Boil the baby potatoes just until they are fork-tender, then immediately drain and let them cool before quartering.
Can I add extra protein to make it a main meal?
Yes, adding grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs can turn this side dish into a filling main course.
What makes this 'loaded'?
The 'loaded' aspect comes from the combination of classic baked potato toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives.