Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is full of flavor and so easy to make. This salad will be a hit at your next potluck, picnic or bbq!
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
You can make this Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad so quickly. No need for the store-bought boxed Suddenly Salad mixes. This pasta salad recipe uses fresh veggies, mayo, and your favorite ranch dressing.
Summer bbq’s are just around the corner. And, if you are like us, you are looking for a great cold salad to serve. You could make this recipe or consider these other Summer Salads that I have shared:
Can this salad be made healthier?
You can easily make this pasta salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of the mayo. You could also use a healthy homemade ranch dressing. Jennifer, a fellow blogger, shared a wonderful recipe over on Show Me the Yummy.
What pasta is best for creamy salads?
I used a simple rotini pasta for my salad. The rotini noodles soak the dressing to distribute the flavor. You could use shell pasta or even an elbow variety.
Can I use different diced vegetables?
You can certainly add other salad ingredients to the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Other additions that you might consider adding:
- Cucumbers
- Olives
- Peas
- Shredded Carrots
Ingredients to make Pasta Salad with Bacon and Ranch
- Pasta (I used a Rotini)
- Bacon
- Ranch Dressing
- Mayo (not in the picture)
- Red Pepper
- Green Pepper
- Onion
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cheese (I used Sharp Cheddar)
How to Make Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
First, add the mayo, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper to a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk until well combined.
Now, add the cooled pasta, veggies, bacon, and cheese to a large mixing bowl. With a spoon or spatula, combine all the meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Add the dressing mixture and mix to combine. Then, cover and refrigerate for about 20- 30 minutes. This ranch salad is best served almost immediately. If you would like to make ahead of time, keep the dressing separate, and add it before serving.
How to store Pasta Salad
If you should have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator. You may need to add more dressing before you serve again.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayo
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 lb Pasta cooked drained, cooled
- 14 slices Bacon cooked and cut into pieces
- 1 Red Peper diced
- 1 Green Pepper diced
- 1/2 pint Cherry Tomatoes cut into quarters
- 1/2 medium Onion diced
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese cubed and diced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, Mayo, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Add all remaining ingredients to a large bowl.
- Add dressing and mix well.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for 20 minutes and serve.
