If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner, look no further than this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Combining the creamy goodness of buttermilk ranch dressing with the smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

One of the best things about this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time. The combination of tangy ranch dressing, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and salty black olives creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s a perfect dish to make ahead of time and let the flavors meld together in the fridge.

This pasta salad isn’t just for summer BBQs – it’s a great addition to your meal prep routine. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. It’s also a fantastic way to use up any leftover bacon you might have. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the main course, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Rotate this into your weekly meal plan on pasta night alternating between our grilled chicken and asparagus pesto pasta and our chicken florentine pasta for dishes the whole family is guaranteed to love.

What Will You Love About This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to love this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe. First and foremost, its flavor combination is simply irresistible. The creamy buttermilk ranch dressing perfectly complements the smoky, savory bacon, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience. The addition of juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and salty black olives adds layers of flavor and texture that make every bite delightful.

Another aspect that makes this recipe a favorite is its simplicity and convenience. With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious dish ready in no time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to bring a dish to a gathering but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Lastly, the versatility of this pasta salad is a huge plus. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add some chopped vegetables for extra crunch, switch out the cheddar for your favorite cheese, or use a different type of pasta to mix things up. This recipe is a fantastic base that you can adapt and make your own.

How to make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add noodles, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, olives, salt & pepper.

Pour in ranch dressing and mix well.

Serve & enjoy.

Tips & Tricks

Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold the dressing well, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. These shapes have nooks and crannies that help capture the creamy ranch dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing. Rinse it with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly cooked bacon, ripe cherry tomatoes, and freshly shredded cheese can elevate the flavor and texture of your pasta salad. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess.
Make Ahead of Time: This pasta salad tastes even better after it has had time to sit and the flavors meld together. Prepare it a few hours in advance or even the night before your event. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add extra ingredients to suit your taste. Consider adding diced red onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado for additional texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
Adjust the Dressing: If the pasta salad seems dry after chilling, add a bit more ranch dressing or a splash of milk to bring back its creamy consistency.
Season Well: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. A bit of extra salt and freshly ground black pepper can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Serve Chilled: Keep your pasta salad in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This will help keep it fresh and ensure it tastes its best.

FAQs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If the salad seems dry after being stored, mix in a bit more ranch dressing to refresh it.

This recipe is highly versatile. You can add ingredients like diced red onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, avocado, or even fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to customize it to your taste.

To lighten the dressing, you can use a light or fat-free ranch dressing. You can also mix equal parts of ranch dressing with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.

How to cook Pasta in the Instant Pot

Cooking pasta in your Instant Pot is a little bit different than the stovetop version. I have found the Instant Pot has swooped in and helped save the day of many of my pasta dishes. It cooks it correctly, and I don’t have to worry about my pot boiling over! I definitely recommend you give it a try.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines pasta, creamy buttermilk ranch, bacon, cheese, olives, and tomatoes to create the perfect salad to enjoy at your next BBQ this summer.

Ingredients

8oz Cheddar Cheese (cubbed)
16oz Bottle Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
10-12 Strips Cooked Bacon (Sliced)
1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes (Sliced)
2.5oz Can Black Olives (Sliced)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
16oz Box Noodles (cooked)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add noodles, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, olives, salt & pepper.
Pour in ranch dressing and mix well.
Serve & enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 437Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 873mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 13g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad