Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of savory flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight side, this salad combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a tangy ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 8 oz short pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni recommended)
• 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be a substitute)
• 1 cup liquid ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated, can substitute with pepper jack)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
• 1/2 cup green onions (chopped, chives can be an alternative)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup grilled chicken (optional for protein)
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon slices on a sheet pan in a single layer and bake for about 25 minutes or until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and ranch dressing until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: While the pasta is still warm but cooled, gently fold in green onions, grated cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped bacon.
5. Step 5: Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Just before serving, fold in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and grilled chicken if using. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top as a final garnish. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat ranch dressing.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra brightness.
• Swap bacon for cooked pancetta or smoked sausage for a twist.
• Use different pasta shapes such as bowtie or penne if preferred.
• Include other vegetables like cucumbers or shredded carrots for added crunch.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or enjoy chilled. The flavors will deepen after resting, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and add delicate ingredients like tomatoes and bacon as a garnish right before serving.

What can I use instead of bacon?

If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to change things up, try using smoked tempeh, crispy tofu, or even roasted chickpeas to add a savory crunch.

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy ranch dressing, all tossed with tender pasta and fresh vegetables. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz short pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni recommended)
• 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be a substitute)
• 1 cup liquid ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (can substitute with pepper jack)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (chives can be an alternative)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup grilled chicken, diced (optional for protein)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of short pasta and cook until al dente, which usually takes 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl to cool.
2. Bake Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the bacon slices on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for about 25 minutes or until crispy. Remove from the oven and chop the bacon into small pieces.
3. Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and ranch dressing. Whisk until smooth and creamy to create the flavorful dressing for the pasta salad.
4. Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled but is still slightly warm, add the chopped green onions, grated cheddar cheese, and half of the crispy bacon. Gently fold the ingredients together to mix evenly.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable combination. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad, allowing the flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Final Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces on top. Add any additional garnishes you like —such as extra green onions or diced bell peppers. Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option.
• If you prefer a spicier twist, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Grilled chicken is optional but adds extra protein and makes the salad more filling.
• Make sure to cool the pasta before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming watery.
• This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for flavors to develop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, cheddar ranch pasta salad, pasta salad with bacon, easy pasta salad recipe, picnic pasta salad