Recipe Million Dollar Pasta Salad

[Alyssa Rivers]

If there’s one side dish that disappears fast, it’s this million dollar pasta salad. It’s packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. It’s sure to steal the spotlight at any table!

Why You’ll Keep Making This​

• Big Flavor in Every Bite: Simple ingredients come together for a bold, creamy pasta salad that’s full of flavor.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in about 20 minutes with very little prep, making it a go-to for busy days.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Great for potlucks, BBQs, and weeknights! And pairs perfectly with burgers, steak, and all your grilled favorites.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Pasta Salad​

• Pasta: I used penne, but rotini or bowtie work great too.
• Tomatoes: I like grape tomatoes best. They hold their shape and don’t get mushy. You can use any tomato you like, though.
• Bacon: Use precooked bacon to keep this quick and easy.
• Slivered Almonds: These add that classic million-dollar crunch. You can leave them out if you want.

How to Make Million Dollar Pasta Salad​

This pasta salad is a total hit! People always go back for seconds. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Try my million dollar dip and million dollar chicken next!

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta in cold water.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, grape tomatoes, parsley, green onions, cheddar cheese, and slivered almonds.
3. Make the Dressing: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the million dollar pasta and mix until combined.

Alyssa’s Pro Tip​

Add your own twist! If you want, you can try adding other veggies like chopped bell peppers, red onion, or broccoli!

Print

Million Dollar Pasta Salad​

This million dollar pasta salad is loaded with bacon, cheddar, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword million dollar pasta salad recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 20 minutes minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 426kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Equipment​

• Strainer
• Whisk
• Glass Bowls
• Pot

Ingredients​

Pasta Salad​

• 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta uncooked
• 1 cup cooked and chopped bacon
• 1½ cups halved grape tomatoes or cherry
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup slivered almonds

Dressing​

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions​

• Cook 1 (16-ounce) box penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta in cold water.
• In a large bowl, combine the pasta, 1 cup cooked and chopped bacon, 1½ cups halved grape tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped parsley, ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and ½ cup slivered almonds.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix until combined.

Notes​

Leftover and Make Ahead Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For best results, reserve a little dressing and toss it in right before serving to freshen it up.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture will not hold up well after thawing.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, just wait to toss the salad with the dressing until right before serving.

Nutrition​

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 770mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 551IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 1mg​

More Favorite Pasta Salads​

Did you make this pasta salad? Drop a comment below! I’d love to know what your family thought. If you want more potluck favorites, check out more of my easy pasta salads!



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