Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Add this easy to make pasta side dish to your meal plan this week! This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is full of flavor.

If you love pasta and bacon, you’ll LOVE this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! The ingredients in this recipe are delicious when combined together to make this tasty side dish.

There’s something undeniably comforting about a good old-fashioned pasta salad, especially when it’s infused with the flavors of the South.

Imagine a delightful medley of garden rotini pasta, crispy bacon, juicy grape tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, all coated in a creamy ranch dressing.

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a potluck dinner, or simply craving a satisfying side dish, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Vegetable Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Ingredients Bursting with Flavor

In this recipe, we’re bringing together a harmonious blend of ingredients that epitomize Southern charm.

Garden rotini pasta forms the hearty base, providing the perfect canvas for the other ingredients to shine.

Crisp bacon adds a smoky richness that complements the creamy dressing beautifully, while juicy grape tomatoes and sliced black olives offer bursts of freshness and tanginess.

Frozen peas and carrots lend a hint of sweetness and color, while sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold, savory note that ties everything together.

The Creamy Ranch Dressing

No Southern pasta salad would be complete without a creamy dressing to bring all the flavors together.

In this recipe, we’re combining mayonnaise, sour cream, and a packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix to create a velvety dressing with just the right amount of tanginess and herbaceous flavor.

A touch of garlic powder and black pepper adds depth and complexity, while a splash of milk helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Putting It All Together

Preparing this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a breeze. Simply cook the pasta according to package instructions, then whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Toss the cooked pasta with the crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, vibrant peas and carrots, sliced black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Drizzle the creamy ranch dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.

For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends alike.

So the next time you’re craving a taste of the South, whip up a batch of this delicious pasta salad and let its Southern charm shine through.

Serve this pasta dish for your family! This pasta salad is also perfect to make to serve at your next neighborhood barbecue.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry garden rotini pasta
• 1 (1 ounce) package bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

For the dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 2 to 3 tbsp. milk

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package recommendations. Drain well.

Make the dressing by whisking together all of the ingredients.

Toss together all of the salad ingredients until completely blended. Add the dressing and toss to combine.

Refrigerate for at least two hours or until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While garden rotini pasta works beautifully in this recipe with its spiral shape that holds the dressing well, you can certainly use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta would all be great choices.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

This pasta salad actually tastes even better when made ahead of time. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. You can make it up to a day in advance, but be sure to give it a good toss before serving.

Can I substitute the bacon with something else?

If you prefer not to use bacon, you can certainly omit it or substitute it with cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a similar smoky flavor.

Can I adjust the seasoning in the dressing?

Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the dressing to suit your taste preferences. You can add more garlic powder or black pepper for extra flavor, or even sprinkle in some fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for a burst of freshness.

How long will this pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

This pasta salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Can I add other ingredients to this pasta salad?

Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients to customize this pasta salad to your liking. Diced bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, or shredded carrots would all be delicious additions.

Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?

While this recipe does contain bacon, you can easily make it vegetarian-friendly by omitting the bacon or substituting it with a vegetarian alternative. Just be sure to check that all of the other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly as well.

Can I use a homemade ranch dressing instead of a packet?

If you prefer to make your own ranch dressing from scratch, you can certainly do so. Simply combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and a blend of herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed and use it in place of the packet in this recipe.

With these frequently asked questions answered, you’re all set to whip up a delicious batch of Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad that’s sure to impress!