Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for Potlucks, Cookouts, and Weeknight Dinners

If you’re looking for a pasta salad recipe that’s loaded with flavor and simple to make, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a solid go-to.

Whether you’re heading to a family cookout, need something quick for a weeknight dinner, or just want a cold pasta salad that holds up well in the fridge, this one checks all the boxes.

It’s creamy, packed with texture, and loaded with crowd-pleasing ingredients.

You may also like:

• Vegetable Pasta Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Asparagus Spring Salad with Boiled Eggs
• Mixed Bean Salad
• Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad
• Avocado Salad

What Makes This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad So Popular?

People love easy pasta salad recipes with ranch and bacon because they’re flavorful, flexible, and filling.

The combination of rotini pasta, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and cool ranch dressing is just plain satisfying.

Add in some colorful veggies like peas, carrots, grape tomatoes, and olives, and you’ve got something that’s easy on the eyes and big on taste.

Who Is This Pasta Salad Recipe For?

This recipe is ideal for busy families, folks who enjoy meal prepping, or anyone needing a cold side dish that’s easy to pull together with simple ingredients.

It’s especially good for those who love make-ahead pasta salad recipes with ranch dressing and bacon—because once it’s chilled and the flavors have had time to come together, it tastes even better.

When to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This salad is perfect for summertime cookouts, Fourth of July gatherings, and weekend barbecues.

It also works well year-round as a quick lunch option or an easy side dish for dinner. If you’ve got leftover chicken, you can even toss that in and turn it into a full meal.

Where to Serve This Cold Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Think beyond your backyard.

This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad travels well, making it great for church potlucks, school functions, tailgates, or office parties.

Just keep it chilled until serving and it’ll be a hit anywhere you take it.

Why This Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Ranch Works So Well

There’s a reason this is one of the most searched for pasta salad recipes. The flavor is rich and creamy without being overwhelming.

You get saltiness from the bacon, bite from the cheese, crunch from the veggies, and a tangy zip from the ranch dressing.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together with ingredients that are either in your fridge already or easy to find at any grocery store.

How to Serve and Store Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

After it’s been chilled for a couple of hours, give the salad a good stir and serve it cold. It pairs well with grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.

You can even scoop it onto lettuce leaves for a low-carb lunch option. This cold pasta salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If it starts to thicken up, stir in a little milk or a spoonful of mayo to bring the creaminess back.

Creative Ways to Use This Pasta Salad

Add shredded rotisserie chicken to make it a main dish. Serve in small cups for an easy party appetizer or picnic portion.

Pack in lunchboxes for a filling, cold lunch that holds up well without reheating. Use as a topping for a baked potato or wrap in a tortilla for a quick handheld meal.

This is a simple recipe, but it’s full of flavor, and it holds its own at just about any meal.

If you’re looking for an easy cold pasta salad with ranch dressing and bacon that’s always a hit, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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 about Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

1. Can I make bacon ranch pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is perfect to make ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after being refrigerated for a few hours, giving the flavors time to blend. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

2. How long does cold bacon ranch pasta salad last in the fridge?
This cold pasta salad with ranch dressing and bacon will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in a sealed container. If the dressing thickens over time, stir in a little milk or extra mayo to refresh the texture.

3. What kind of pasta is best for ranch pasta salad recipes?
Garden rotini is a great choice for this ranch pasta salad recipe because its shape holds onto the creamy dressing well. You can also use penne, bowtie, or elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.

4. Can I add protein to make this a bacon ranch pasta salad with chicken?
Absolutely. Adding grilled or shredded chicken to this easy bacon ranch pasta salad turns it into a full meal. It’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or meal prep for the week.

5. What vegetables go well in a creamy ranch pasta salad?
Frozen peas and carrots, grape tomatoes, and sliced black olives add color, texture, and flavor to this pasta salad with ranch dressing and bacon. You can also mix in diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions depending on what you have available.

6. Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of the homemade ranch dressing mix?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use your favorite bottled ranch dressing for this easy pasta salad with bacon. However, using the sour cream, mayo, and ranch seasoning blend gives it a thicker, more flavorful homemade taste.

7. What should I serve with bacon ranch pasta salad?
This creamy ranch pasta salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats like BBQ chicken, ribs, burgers, or pulled pork sandwiches. It also pairs well with baked beans, corn on the cob, or any summer potluck spread.

8. Is this a good make-ahead pasta salad for potlucks and cookouts?
Yes, it’s one of the best pasta salads for potlucks and backyard cookouts because it holds up well when chilled and is always a crowd favorite. Just make sure to keep it cold until serving time.

9. Can I make this ranch bacon pasta salad gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free rotini or other gluten-free pasta. Be sure to double-check your ranch seasoning mix and bacon for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients as well.

10. How do I keep bacon crispy in pasta salad recipes?
To keep your bacon crispy in this bacon ranch pasta salad, cook it until it’s well-done and let it cool completely before mixing it in. Add it just before serving if you want to keep the texture crunchier.