Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Posted by Keni July 9, 2025
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish

If you’re looking for the kind of pasta salad that disappears fast at potlucks, BBQs, or summer picnics, then you’ve just hit the jackpot. This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is creamy, full of flavor, and loaded with all the goodies—crisp bacon, tender pasta, sharp cheddar, and fresh veggies. Tossed in a rich, tangy ranch dressing, it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave all year long.

Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also easy to customize based on what you’ve got in the fridge. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (bottled or homemade)
  • 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Serving Size and Times

Serving Size: 6 peoplesPrep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 25 minutes

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, cheddar cheese, and green onions if using.
  4. Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

  • Use chilled pasta: Make sure your pasta is completely cool before mixing it with the dressing. Warm pasta can soak up too much dressing and make the salad dry.
  • Make it ahead: This salad gets better after a few hours in the fridge. You can even make it the night before—just reserve a little extra ranch dressing to stir in right before serving.
  • Crispy bacon is key: Don’t skimp on crisping the bacon—it adds a great texture contrast to the creamy dressing.
  • Fresh veggies only: Skip the canned stuff and go for fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions for a crunchy, vibrant finish.

Variations You’ll Love

  • Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
  • Protein Boost: Toss in diced grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier version that works great as a main dish.
  • Healthy Swap: Use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of bottled dressing for a lighter, tangier flavor.
  • Different Cheese: Swap cheddar with pepper jack or crumbled feta for a fun twist.
  • More Veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even blanched broccoli for extra color and crunch.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, and in fact, it tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours. Just hold back a few tablespoons of dressing to freshen it up right before serving.

How long does bacon ranch pasta salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, the veggies might lose their crunch and the dressing can separate.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini holds the dressing well, but bowtie, penne, or shells all work beautifully.

What’s the best ranch dressing to use?
If you’re short on time, go with a quality bottled brand. But if you’ve got a few extra minutes, homemade ranch really takes this salad over the top.

Can I make this without bacon?
Sure! If you want a vegetarian version, just skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Related post: Mexican-Style Cucumbers

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the side dish that steals the show—rich, creamy, full of texture, and loaded with flavor. It checks every box for an easy summer favorite: make-ahead friendly, customizable, and downright addictive. Whether you’re bringing it to a backyard bash or enjoying it straight out of the bowl in your kitchen, this recipe is bound to become a staple. So go ahead—double the batch. You won’t regret it.