Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
- 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.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Grilled chicken is optional but adds protein to make the salad more filling.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
- The salad tastes best after chilling for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: pasta salad,bacon cheddar ranch salad,creamy pasta salad,summer salad,party salad,side dish
