Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish, and this version takes things up a notch with smoky bacon, juicy grape tomatoes and plenty of cheesy goodness.
The creamy dressing made with ranch, sour cream and mayo ties everything together, while green peas add a pop of freshness.
Recipes for Pasta Salad are just perfect for the summer!
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy weeknight dinner, this bacon pasta salad is loaded with flavor in every bite!
Easy Cold Dip Recipes are the perfect companion for this pasta salad at potlucks and picnics.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh veggies — perfect for potlucks, picnics or easy weeknight dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with rotini pasta, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, ranch dip mix, bacon, green peas, grape tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
- Creamy Ranch Dressing: The blend of mayo, sour cream, milk, and ranch mix creates a tangy, smooth dressing that coats every bite.
- Loaded with Flavor: Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet peas bring a delicious balance of textures and tastes.
- Easy to Prepare: Just mix everything in one bowl, chill, and serve — no complicated steps.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld, making it even better the next day.
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This bacon ranch pasta salad is a guaranteed hit that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make!
What Goes with Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Here’s a tasty list of what to serve with Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad:
- Grilled Chicken: Lightly seasoned or barbecue-style for a flavorful pairing.
- Burgers: Classic beef, turkey, or veggie burgers complement the creamy salad.
- Barbecue Ribs: The smoky, saucy ribs match perfectly with the tangy ranch flavor.
- Hot Dogs or Bratwurst: A cookout favorite that’s quick and crowd-pleasing.
- Corn on the Cob: A buttery side that adds sweetness and crunch.
- Watermelon Slices: Refreshing and juicy to balance the richness of the salad.
- Baked Beans: Hearty and sweet, ideal for rounding out a picnic plate.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a warm, toasty touch to any summer spread.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy and rich.
- Fruit Salad: Adds a sweet and refreshing balance.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy for a nice texture contrast.
These sides help turn your Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad into a full, satisfying meal.
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Plus, it’s a great side dish for potlucks, cookouts, or summer dinners alongside corn on the cob, baked beans or fresh fruit!
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Prep time: Approximately 20 minutes
Chill time: At least 1 hour
Total time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: About 8 to 10 servings
To make this delicious bacon ranch pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- rotini pasta
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- milkÂ
- dry ranch dip mix
- bacon
- green peas
- grape tomatoes
- sharp cheddar cheese
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Ranch Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl: for combining pasta, vegetables, cheese, and bacon
- Small mixing bowl: for preparing the ranch dressing
- Measuring cups: for mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, peas, and cheese
- Measuring spoons (optional): if your dry ranch dip mix isn’t pre-portioned
- Cutting board: for slicing grape tomatoes and dicing cheese
- Sharp knife: for cutting tomatoes and cheese
- Colander: for draining pasta and thawing peas under cold water
- Mixing spoon: for stirring the salad and dressing together
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These tools will make it easy to assemble and enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta salad.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and dry ranch seasoning; set aside.
In a large bowl, gently toss all remaining ingredients.
Add the dressing and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Serve chilled.
Note: To thaw peas, refrigerate overnight or run them under cold water in a colander.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Discover more pasta salad recipes that are easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any meal or gathering.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Southwest Pasta Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Caesar Pasta Salad
- Apple Tortellini Salad
- Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Pasta Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish, and this version takes things up a notch with smoky bacon, juicy grape tomatoes and plenty of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta cooked and cooled to room temperature.
- â…” cup mayonnaise
- â…” cup sour cream
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 package dry ranch dip mix
- 6 slices lean bacon cooked and crumbled
- 9 oz frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and dry ranch seasoning; set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently toss all remaining ingredients.
- Add the dressing and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
To thaw peas, refrigerate overnight or run them under cold water in a colander.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 344Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 380mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 12g
Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.