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Craving a crowd-pleasing dish for summer BBQs? Try my Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! Tender pasta, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies are tossed in a creamy ranch dressing for a flavor-packed, delicious pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks or a weekday treat, this easy pasta salad recipe will be your new favorite.
Today, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite at your summer gatherings. This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pasta with a creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh veggies. It's perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just a delightful weekday treat.
I remember the first time I brought this salad to a family BBQ. The sun was shining, the grill was sizzling, and everyone’s plates were piled high with delicious food. But it was this pasta salad that had everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You'll Love This Salad
Tender pasta is generously coated in a rich, creamy ranch dressing, then tossed with crispy bacon and a rainbow of fresh veggies. This isn't your average pasta salad; it's a flavor-packed delight that balances creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh in every bite. It's always a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-have for any summer barbecue or potluck dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
First things first, get that pasta cooking. Fill a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a bit of a bite to it. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain it thoroughly again to ensure your salad isn’t watery.
2. Prepare the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, diced red and orange bell peppers, diced celery, sliced green onions, minced garlic, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives. This colorful mix is already looking mouthwatering, and we haven’t even added the dressing yet!
3. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, whole milk, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice until you have a smooth, creamy ranch sauce. This is the magic sauce that brings everything together.
4. Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. If you have the time, let it sit overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully the longer they hang out.
5. Final Touches
Before serving, check the salad. If it looks a bit dry, add more dressing to ensure it’s creamy and delightful. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to go!
Why This Salad is a Summer Essential
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is both flavorful and light, a combination that's hard to beat. Unlike some pasta salads that can feel heavy, this one strikes a perfect balance. The creamy ranch sauce is rich without being overpowering, and the fresh veggies add a refreshing crunch.
Perfect for Gatherings
One of the best things about this salad is how well it fits into any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, heading to a potluck, or just want something delicious in your fridge for quick meals, this salad is a winner. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish but also pairs beautifully with grilled meats like pork chops, making it incredibly versatile.
A Dish for All Seasons
While it’s perfect for warm weather, don’t limit this dish to summer. It’s a great option for any time of the year. Imagine a scoop of this salad alongside a bowl of chili in the fall or as a refreshing counterpart to hearty winter meals.
Bringing It All Together
Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying with the people you love, and this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is no exception. It’s a dish that brings smiles, full bellies, and happy memories. So, go ahead and make this salad for your next BBQ, and watch it disappear in no time.
I'm telling you, this recipe is a must-make. It’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to compliment any meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. For best flavor, store leftovers in an airtight container and savor the goodness the next day. Happy cooking, y'all!
The Star Ingredients for Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Here's what you'll need to create this delicious dish:
Pasta Salad:
- Short Pasta Shapes (think rotini pasta, elbow macaroni, or bow ties – these little guys hold the dressing beautifully)
- Bacon, browned and crumbled (or bacon bits for convenience)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (adding a delightful tang)
- Red Bell Pepper, finely diced (a pop of color and crunch)
- Orange Bell Pepper, finely diced (double the bell pepper goodness)
- Celery, finely diced (for that satisfying crunch)
- Green Onion, finely sliced (adding a mild, fresh bite)
- Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, minced (to enhance all of the savory flavors)
- Garlic, minced (a hint of aromatic zing)
- Optional Additions:
- Red Onion, finely diced (for an extra layer of flavor)
- Cherry Tomatoes, halved (adding a juicy, sweet touch)
- Black Olives, sliced (for a briny kick)
- Hellman's Real Mayonnaise (the creamy base we all love)
- Whole Milk (keeping it smooth and velvety)
- Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (the secret to classic ranch flavor)
- Garlic Powder (to enhance the flavor)
- Black Pepper (for a little spice)
- Lemon Juice (to add a bit of brightness)
Equipment Used to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Large Pot – For cooking the pasta.
- Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To combine the pasta salad ingredients.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – To mix the dressing.
- Whisk – For blending the dressing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Knife – For dicing vegetables and chopping bacon.
- Cutting Board – For preparing vegetables and bacon.
- Garlic Press (optional) – For mincing garlic.
- Spatula – For mixing the salad and dressing.
- Plastic Wrap or Lid – To cover the bowl while the salad chills.
- Serving Bowl – To serve the finished pasta salad.
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Serving Suggestions
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is great served alongside any of these summertime dishes!
How to Store Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Summertime Salads
Please let me know how this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad turns out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you!
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta or other short pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, or bow ties
- 8 ounces bacon browned and crumbled
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 orange bell pepper finely diced
- 2 sticks celery finely diced
- 4 green onions finely sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
Dressing:
- 1 ½ cups Hellmann's mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 6 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
- Drain thoroughly again to remove any excess water.
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red and orange bell peppers, diced celery, sliced green onions, and minced garlic.
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, whole milk, and dry ranch seasoning until well combined.
Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.
Final Touches:
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir.
- Check the consistency and add more dressing if needed to ensure it's creamy and well-coated.
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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