Sure! Let’s dig into this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad — it’s one of those crowd-pleasers that’s super easy, loaded with flavor, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a simple lunch at home.
Kids love it (thanks to all the creamy, cheesy goodness), and it’s great to prep ahead.
I’ve made this so many times I can basically do it in my sleep. 😄
You’re going to love how fast it comes together!
🛒 What You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
👩🍳 Pro Tips:
- Use cold pasta – Warm pasta will soak up the dressing and make it dry. Let it cool before mixing.
- Crisp that bacon! – Crunchy bacon adds the perfect texture contrast.
- Make it ahead – Letting it chill for an hour helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Add veggies your kids like – Peas or diced cucumbers work great!
- Use block cheese and shred it yourself – It melts and mixes better than pre-shredded.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board & knife
- Small bowls for ingredients
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
🔁 Substitutions & Variations:
- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of some ranch for a tangy twist
- Swap bacon with turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or cooked chicken for more protein
🕓 Make Ahead Tips:
You can make this pasta salad up to a day in advance — just give it a good stir and maybe add a splash of ranch before serving if it’s a bit dry.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta
Cook 12 oz of rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy. Let them cool, then crumble into pieces.
3. Chop and Prep Ingredients
While pasta and bacon cool, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice green onions, and shred the cheddar cheese if needed.
4. Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup ranch dressing with ¼ cup sour cream (optional) for extra creaminess. Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and green onions into the bowl with the dressing. Mix until well coated.
6. Chill and Serve
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Serve cold, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if you like.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it dries out a bit, just stir in a spoonful of ranch before serving again.
💬 Wrap-Up
There you go — the creamy, crunchy, bacon-y pasta salad of your dreams! This one’s always a hit, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or bringing it to a party. Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the comments. Got a fun twist on it? I’d love to hear!