Introduction

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick family meal. The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch dressing creates a delightful balance that everyone will love.

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon slices on a sheet pan in a single layer and bake for about 25 minutes or until crispy. Once cooked, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and ranch dressing until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: When the pasta is cooled but still slightly warm, add green onions, grated cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped bacon. Gently fold everything together.
Step 5: Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon on top and add any additional garnish you like. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use a low-fat ranch dressing.
Add grilled chicken for extra protein and heartier texture.
Try mixing in chopped chives instead of green onions for a milder onion flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Make the salad a few hours ahead to let flavors develop but add bacon last minute to keep it crisp.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad thickens, stir in a little extra ranch dressing or a splash of milk before serving. It tastes best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the dressing and fresh ingredients may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or even penne work best as they hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients.

How do I keep the bacon crispy in the salad?

To maintain bacon’s crispness, add half the bacon into the salad before chilling and reserve the other half to sprinkle on top just before serving.

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a luscious ranch dressing for a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for gatherings or a hearty side. Optional grilled chicken can be added for extra protein, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz short pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni recommended)

Dressing

1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be a substitute)
1 cup liquid ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese & Toppings

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 bell peppers (diced)

Optional Protein

1 cup grilled chicken (optional for protein)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl to cool.
Bake Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place bacon slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until crispy. Remove and chop the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and ranch dressing until smooth and creamy to create the salad dressing.
Combine Ingredients: When 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 to combine evenly.
Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
Final Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Add any additional garnish such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or grilled chicken if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.