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close up of a bowl of pasta salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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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!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 392

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.

Video

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.

Nutrition

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