This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for barbecues and summer get-togethers. It’s fresh, yummy, and always a crowd pleaser!

I love making this pasta salad in the summer time. When it’s warm and and you’re outside grilling, it is the perfect, side dish to pair with burgers or steaks hot off the grill.

a bowl of pasta salad on a blue napkin

This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad has been a favorite of mine for the past few years.

It’s actually one of the first recipes I ever made when I started out in the kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, and every time I make it, my family gobbles it up!

close up of a bowl of pasta salad

Ingredients for Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

  • tricolor pasta
  • bacon
  • Mayonnaise 
  • dry ranch seasoning mix
  • garlic powder
  • pepper
  • milk
  • cherry tomatoes
  • shredded cheese
  • cucumber

ingredients laid out to make pasta salad on a cutting board

How to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook pasta
 
Cook Pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, making sure not to overcook. Drain well.milk being poured into a glass bowl of spices
 
Step 2: Make the dressing
 
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and garlic pepper. Stir in the milk until mixture is nice and smooth.hand stirring pasta in a glass bowl
 
Step 4: Add the pasta
 
Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the dressing mixture, and stir to coat evenly.glass bowl with cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bacon
 
Step 5: Refrigerate
 
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, add in the chopped bacon, veggies, and cheese, and toss to coat. You can also add a splash of milk to smooth the pasta salad out as needed.a bowl of pasta salad on a blue napkin
 

Tips and Notes

  • You can add in a variety of veggies to this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, or leave them out altogether if you wish. I’ve made it many times, adding ingredients or not, and it always come out great. I LOVE adding chopped cucumber because it adds a pretty pop of green and a nice bit of crunch. 
  • Be sure to refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving for best flavor!

a bowl of pasta salad on a blue napkin

Can you freeze pasta salad?

Due to the creamy nature of the mayo-based dressing in this pasta salad, I do not recommend freezing it after it’s been prepared. The mayonnaise will separate once it’s thawed and will not lend to the best taste or texture.

How long is pasta salad good for in the fridge?

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it gets dry over time, add a little milk to fresh it up.

close up of a bowl of pasta salad

More Summer Salad Recipes You Might Enjoy!

close up of a bowl of pasta salad
4.94 from 29 ratings

Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Yield: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for barbecues and summer get-togethers. It’s fresh, yummy, and always a crowd pleaser!
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Ingredients

  • 1 12 oz. package uncooked tri-color pasta
  • 5 slices bacon,, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 envelope dry ranch salad dressing mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes,, sliced in half
  • 1 small cucumber,, chopped into 1/4 moon slices
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, making sure not to overcook. Drain well.
  • In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and garlic pepper. Stir in the milk until mixture is nice and smooth.
  • Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the dressing mixture, and stir to coat evenly.
  • Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, add in the chopped bacon, veggies, and cheese, and toss to coat. You can also add a splash of milk to smooth the pasta salad out as needed.

Notes

  • You can add in a variety of veggies to this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, or leave them out altogether if you wish. I’ve made it many times, adding ingredients or not, and it always come out great. I LOVE adding chopped cucumber because it adds a pretty pop of green and a nice bit of crunch. 
  • Be sure to refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving for best flavor!
  • Can you freeze pasta salad? - due to the creamy nature of the mayo-based dressing in this pasta salad, I do not recommend freezing it after it's been prepared. The mayonnaise will separate once it's thawed and will not lend to the best taste or texture.
  • How long is pasta salad good for in the fridge? - Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen
Calories: 392kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 507mg, Potassium: 202mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 240IU, Vitamin C: 4.4mg, Calcium: 110mg, Iron: 0.8mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.