This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad combines al dente pasta, crispy bacon, and a homemade ranch dressing for the ultimate potluck side dish! Ready in just 15 minutes, it's perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. The irresistible combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
If you love easy side dishes, try my Broccoli Crunch Salad or Red Skin Potato Salad next!
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This creamy pasta salad is a simple recipe that is big on flavor. It comes together in less than 15 minutes - which I love when I need a quick side dish!
It's my go-to side for cookouts and potlucks because it's easy to make ahead, travels well, and disappears fast! Combining crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing with tender pasta is so good even picky eaters will love it!
Serve with my Smoked Whole Chicken, Smoked Pork Tenderloin, Smoked Steak, or Smoked Beef Brisket!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pasta. Rotini or fusilli work perfectly as their spirals hold the creamy dressing. Feel free to substitute penne, bowtie, or elbow macaroni. For a healthier option, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Bacon. The star ingredient! I use Air Fryer Bacon for perfectly crispy results with less mess. Turkey bacon works well, too, for a lighter option.
- Ranch Dressing. Store-bought ranch dressing saves time, but you can use homemade if preferred. You can also make it using ranch seasoning mix.
- Mayonnaise. Use real mayo for best results, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Sour cream. Light sour cream works great, too. For a thinner dressing, replace it with milk.
- Red onion. It adds a mild bite and a beautiful color. Green onions or shallots work well, too.
- Cheddar cheese. I prefer white cheddar cheese, but you can also use sharp cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
How To Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Quick Overview
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Prepare crispy bacon and chop ingredients.
- Mix creamy dressing.
- Combine everything and chill.
Step by Step Instructions
- BOIL PASTA: Cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- PREP BACON: While the pasta cooks, make crispy bacon in the air fryer or skillet. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cooled.
- MAKE DRESSING: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup ranch dressing, ¼ cup sour cream, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth.
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and ½ cup diced red onion to the dressing. Fold gently to coat everything evenly.
- CHILL & SERVE: Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Stir before serving and top with extra bacon crumbles and fresh chives if desired.
Top Tips
- Al dente is key! Cook the pasta just until tender but still firm to the bite. It will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits.
- Rinse pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch that would make the salad gummy.
- Make extra bacon because, somehow, a few pieces always disappear during cooking!
- Season carefully. Ranch dressing and bacon already contain salt, so taste before adding additional seasoning.
- When making ahead, reserve a little dressing to stir in just before serving, as the pasta will absorb moisture in the refrigerator.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Protein boost: Add diced chicken or turkey for a heartier salad.
- Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Garden fresh: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- Extra crunch: Add diced celery or frozen peas (thawed).
What to Serve with Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
From the smoker: Smoked Chicken Breasts, Traeger Pork Tenderloin, Smoked Pork Chops, Smoked Sausages, Smoked Pork Butt, or Smoked Burgers.
From the grill: Grilled Smash Burgers, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken.
Quick & easy: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Thin Pork Chops, Air Fryer Chicken Legs, Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts, or Instant Pot BBQ Ribs.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge!
Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance. If making ahead, add an extra splash of ranch dressing before serving to refresh the creaminess.
Not freezer-friendly: This pasta salad doesn't freeze well due to the mayonnaise and dairy ingredients.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Any medium pasta shape works well. Short pasta with ridges or spirals hold the dressing best.
Perfect! It travels well and can sit at room temperature safely for up to 2 hours (keep out of direct sun). I like to place it in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it cold.
Use whole wheat pasta, light mayo, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon.
More Favorite Side Dishes
Printable Recipe
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rotini
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onion
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- COOK: Boil pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.1 pound pasta
- PREPARE: While pasta cooks, cook bacon until crispy using your preferred method. Drain on paper towels, then crumble when cool.8 slices bacon
- MIX: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.½ cup ranch dressing, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- COMBINE: Add cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, red onion, and chives to the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.1 cup cheddar cheese, ¼ cup red onion, 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onion
- CHILL: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Garnish with fresh chives if desired before serving. Enjoy!salt and pepper
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Notes
- For best flavor, cook pasta just until al dente - it will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits.
- Make sure to rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
- The salad can be made up to 2 days ahead - reserve some dressing to refresh before serving.
- Add extra ranch dressing ifthe pasta salad seems dry after chilling.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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