Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners. Combining tender pasta, crispy bacon, savory cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (any shape)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
- Step 2: Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotini or bowtie pasta for better dressing cling and texture.
- Add chopped green onions or diced celery for extra crunch and freshness.
- Substitute ranch dressing with a homemade mix for a personalized flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and adding roasted vegetables.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir gently and add a little extra ranch dressing if it seems dry. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar is classic but you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend depending on your preference.
How do I keep the pasta salad from getting soggy?
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Chilling the salad before serving also helps flavors meld without sogginess.
PrintCreamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Ranch Pasta Salad combining tender pasta, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and classic ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick refreshing side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
Bacon
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat ranch dressing and less bacon.
- Add chopped green onions or celery for extra crunch and flavor.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: ranch pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, picnic salad, easy pasta recipe
