Categories: FOOD

The Best Million Dollar Pasta Salad Recipe


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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!

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  • 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.

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.

Calories: 426kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 10gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 770mgPotassium: 235mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 551IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 151mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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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