Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

This is one of those summer BBQ dishes that will have everyone asking you for the recipe! With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, this pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser that can be thrown together in less than 20 minutes. 

 

The Ultimate Ranch Pasta Salad

Is it even summer if there’s not pasta salad? I love that you can whip up a giant batch and bring it to summer parties or have it in the fridge as an easy and hearty side—or meal if it’s an antipasto pasta salad, depending on how you’re feeling.

I love how customizable pasta salads are too. Sure you can follow a recipe, but you can swap or add ingredients in based on your personal preference and what you have on hand. 

This creamy pasta salad has a rich ranch flavor that’s mellowed out by the addition of sour cream. The salty, crispy bacon and crunchy green onion add bite and texture, while the cheddar cheese gives it a little something special. This recipe can be made with store-bought ranch or you can make homemade ranch dressing.

My number one tip for this recipe is to let the pasta cool just a bit before adding the creamy dressing, you want warm, not hot pasta. This allows the noodles to soak up the tangy ranch dressing instead of it sliding off and pooling at the bottom of the bowl.

What I love about this recipe is that it can be made in advance and it only gets better when you do! As it sits, the flavors will mingle and soak in so much more. As you set it out on the table, add the bacon to the top so that it’s still crispy. I never get tired of these flavors, so I love having leftovers!

If you love these flavors but are craving potatoes instead of pasta, try ranch potato salad next time.

This is the perfect side dish for a summer barbecues, cook-outs or potlucks since it serves up to 10 people. You can also easily double the recipe! I like to serve it alongside grilled fresh vegetables, burgers, grilled pork chops, and barbecue ribs.

What’ so Special About This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

• Summer Party Friendly – A cold pasta salad is always welcome when the sun is high and the grill is going. 
• Favorite Flavors – Ranch, bacon, and cheese. That’s how a truly great recipe should always start. 
• Easy To Make – Once you boil the pasta and cook the bacon, it’s all about mixing it together. 

Just 6 Ingredients For Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta – You can use any kind of short pasta as long as as something to hold the dressing. Try a rotini pasta, elbow macaroni or shells or cavatappi so that the dressing can get into the ridges and holes. I like pasta with fun pasta shapes.

Dairy – Grated cheddar cheese and a cup of sour cream. Grate your own cheddar cheese for extra flavor!

Ranch – You can use any type of ranch dressing from Hidden Valley Ranch to a homemade dressing. If I’m not making my own, I like the Marzetti Ranch dressing. The ranch dressing is taking the place of mayonnaise giving it a smoother flavor.

Bacon – Crisp bacon is key to adding extra texture and flavor!

Green Onions – Thinly chopped for color and a little bite. 

How To Make This Easy Pasta Salad

Step One: Cook Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy and chop into small pieces. 

My favorite way to cook bacon is on a sheet pan in the oven at 400º for 25 minutes. 

Step Two: Make Salad Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and ranch dressing. 

Step Three: Mix Salad

Cook the pasta and when it has cooled, but is still warm, add green onions, cheese and ½ of the bacon, mix to combine.  Pour the dressing over the warm pasta and toss to coat the pasta. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Step Four: Final Touches

Prior to serving add the remaining bacon to the top with some parsley and serve cold or at room temperature. 

Things You Could Add To Ranch Pasta Salad

• Lots of colorful veggies! Try chopped red onion, fresh corn, sliced cherry tomatoes, green peppers, or black olives! 
• Add freshly cracked black pepper on top!
• For a little extra depth and a different kind of saltiness, grate a little parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top with the bacon. 
• You could make it hearty but adding some rotisserie chicken.

More Pasta Salads You’ll Love

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.