Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, no-cook cold pasta salad that takes about 10 minutes to throw together once your pasta and bacon are ready. It’s loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a homemade ranch dressing that makes it the perfect pasta salad for BBQs, potlucks, and summer get-togethers.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
What makes this recipe so amazing is that the dressing is just three ingredients: mayo, milk, and a packet of ranch seasoning. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps. It’s one of those simple pasta salads the whole family will love, and you can have it on the table in no time.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Bow tie pasta
- Bacon
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Milk
- Ranch seasoning
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Large spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time.
Step 1. Combine the pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Stir to mix.
Step 2. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, milk, and ranch seasoning.
Step 3. Add the dressing to the salad bowl and toss to coat.
Step 4. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Variations
- Add broccoli: Small broccoli florets add crunch and color and pair really well with the ranch dressing.
- Use a different cheese: Pepper jack, colby jack, or even cubed mozzarella all work great in place of cheddar for a different twist.
- Toss in some peas: Frozen peas (thawed) mixed in add a pop of green and a little sweetness that kids tend to like.
- Make it with rotini: Rotini spirals hold onto the creamy ranch dressing really well if you want to switch up the pasta shape.
- Add avocado: Diced avocado stirred in right before serving makes this even creamier. Just add it last so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Use turkey bacon: Turkey bacon works as a lighter swap. Just make sure you cook it until it’s nice and crispy.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover bacon ranch pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dressing thickens as it sits, so stir in a splash of milk before serving leftovers to bring the creaminess back. This is also a great make-ahead salad since the flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your pasta is completely cooled before mixing. Warm pasta will thin out the ranch dressing and make the cheese get a little melty. Rinse with cold water right after cooking.
- Cook the bacon until it’s really crispy. It softens a bit once it’s mixed into the salad, so starting with extra crispy bacon gives you the best texture.
- Quarter the cherry tomatoes instead of halving them. Smaller pieces mean you get a bit of tomato in every bite without them rolling off your fork.
- Finely chop the red onion. A little red onion goes a long way in terms of flavor, and finely chopping it keeps the bites balanced.
- Use a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that can make the texture slightly gritty in a cold salad. Freshly shredded melts into the dressing better.
- Add the dressing right before serving if making ahead. Or make the dressing separately and toss it all together when you’re ready to eat.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, it’s great made ahead. You can prep it a few hours before or even the night before. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of milk before serving since the pasta soaks up the dressing as it sits.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of making the dressing? You can, but the homemade version with mayo, milk, and ranch seasoning is thicker and clings to the pasta better. Bottled ranch tends to be thinner and can make the salad a little watery.
What kind of ranch seasoning packet should I use? Any brand works. Hidden Valley is the most common, but store brand ranch seasoning packets work just as well.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, corn, or diced cucumber are all great additions that go well with the ranch flavors.
Is this pasta salad good for meal prep? It holds up well for 3-4 days, so it works great for lunches throughout the week. Just store it in individual containers and add a tiny splash of milk to each one before eating.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo? You can use half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Using all Greek yogurt will change the flavor quite a bit and make it tangier, so I’d recommend at least keeping some mayo in there.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
- Pepperoni Pasta Salad
- Caesar Pasta Salad
- Sausage Pasta Salad
- Mexican Pasta Salad
- Grinder Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta cooked and cooled
- 10 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Combine the pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Stir to mix.
- In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, milk, and ranch seasoning.
- Add the dressing to the salad bowl and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Pin This Post
Leave a Reply