Print

Ultimate Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Close-up of a bowl of creamy ranch pasta salad made with rotini pasta, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings. It is easy to make ahead and delivers savory flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or medium shell pasta
  • 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 1/2 cups prepared ranch dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain very well.
  2. While the pasta cools, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon well and crumble it into small pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and salt until smooth. This creates the creamy dressing base.
  5. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the ranch pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the salad seems too dry after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of extra ranch dressing.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make this cold pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance. Add any extra dressing needed just before serving.
  • If you want a high protein pasta salad, consider adding 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken breast along with the bacon.
  • This recipe works well as a side dish for cookout meals or as a simple make ahead salad for busy weeks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/ranch-pasta-salad/