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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
