When the warm weather rolls in, nothing hits the spot like a big bowl of creamy pasta salad. This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together.
It’s a perfect side dish for summer barbecues, potluck dinners, or even a quick main course when you add extra protein like chicken breasts or Costco rotisserie chicken.
We’ll walk you through the simple steps for making this crowd-pleasing dish, along with tips to ensure your tender pasta and creamy ranch sauce turn out perfectly every time. If it’s your first time making a cold pasta salad, don’t worry—this is one of those easy recipes you’ll be proud to share at your next family gathering.
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love this Recipe ⭐
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients from your grocery store, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Versatile – Use rotini pasta, elbow macaroni, or even bow tie pasta for variety.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great option for summer BBQs, holidays, or a quick meal during busy weeks.
Customizable – Toss in juicy tomatoes, crisp veggies, or extra protein to make it a complete meal.
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
🍴 How to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente pasta. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Spread on a sheet of parchment paper if you want to cool it quickly.
Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl or separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, creamy ranch dressing (or homemade ranch mix), garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful creamy ranch sauce.
Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green peppers, black olives, green onions, and chopped bacon. Pour the dressing over top and give it a good stir until coated.
Chill & Serve
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This lets the savory flavors blend together. Serve cold, straight from a large bowl at your next party.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Always rinse your pasta with cold water so it stays firm and doesn’t stick.
- Chill the salad before serving—it makes the creamy dressing coat the pasta better.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- If the salad seems a little dry the next time you serve it, stir in a spoonful of ranch or sour cream.
- This is a great recipe to prep ahead for summer BBQs and holiday parties.
📖 Variations
Add Protein – Stir in chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or even pork chops cut into small pieces for a main dish.
Mix Up the Veggies – Use fresh corn, sweet peas, orange bell peppers, or other colorful veggies for a fun twist.
Lighter Option – Swap in a light ranch or Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
Make Ahead – This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors blend.
📦 Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Best eaten within 3–4 days.
- Not freezer-friendly since the creamy dressing doesn’t thaw well.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini pasta, elbow macaroni, shell pasta, or bow tie pasta all work. Just cook until pasta al dente.
Can I make this healthier?
Yes. Use light ranch, Greek yogurt, or add more fresh veggies for a lighter version.
Can I make it a main course?
Yes. Add chicken breasts, Costco rotisserie chicken, or even pork chops for a complete meal.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
More Delicious Recipes To Try
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cellantani pasta
- 1.5 cups Hellman’s Mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 package Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix 1oz
- 8 oz cheddar cheese cut into chunks
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 lb bacon chopped and cooked
Directions
- Boil 3 quarts of water in a large pot.
- Add noodles and a bit of salt, cook for 11 minutes. Drain well and rinse in cold water. Pour pasta into a large bowl.
- Chop bacon into ½ inch pieces and cook over medium low heat until done. Drain grease and set aside.
- Cut cheese into small chunks.
- Cut tomatoes in half.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream and ranch dressing. Stir well.
- Stir sauce mixture into pasta.
- Add other ingredients to pasta bowl and toss.
- Refrigerate for one hour, and serve.
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