Print

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

creamy bacon ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, smoky, and tangy pasta salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a ranch dressing that’s perfect for potlucks and cookouts. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or corkscrew pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble once cooled.
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion (optional), and shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta. Add the crumbled bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, shredded cheese, and 1/2 cup sliced black olives (if using). Toss gently until evenly coated and well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and pasta absorb the dressing slightly.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Toss gently once more.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent sogginess. Save some bacon fat for extra flavor in the dressing if desired. Chill salad for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Add cucumbers last minute to keep crunch. Reserve some dressing if serving later to refresh the salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer cookout, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-a-crowd/