This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Coated in a creamy ranch dressing mix and tossed with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, tender green peas, and red onion, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is loved by the whole family! It’s quick and easy to make and perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Ready in just 30 minutes and made with simple pantry ingredients, this creamy, delicious bacon ranch pasta salad is one of my favorite cold pasta salads. It has everything you’d expect in a great pasta salad,
- A simple, yet flavorful, super creamy dressing
- Perfectly cooked al dente pasta
- Bacon
- A little crunch
In this recipe, store-bought or homemade ranch seasoning mix is combined with sour cream, adding a much-loved tangy flavor. The bacon, peas, and onion give an irresistible crunchy texture. You can use simple ingredient swaps to include your preferred add-ins, such as diced bell peppers, turkey bacon, or tomatoes.
It’s the perfect addition to potlucks and summer cookouts and can even be part of your next family meal!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Rotini pasta – Cooked to al dente and rinsed in cool water to prevent the pasta from cooking further. Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, such as, penne, macaroni, rigatoni, bowtie, or ziti are popular choices.
- Sour cream – Greek yogurt can be used instead as a healthier alternative. You may also use a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise if you prefer the taste of mayonnaise-based pasta salads. Note: for a thinner sauce/dressing, mix in a little buttermilk or milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Ranch seasoning mix – You can use the store-bought sachets of ranch seasoning mix or make your own from scratch by following this easy homemade ranch seasoning recipe.
- Bacon – Use regular slices of bacon or lean sliced bacon. Sliced turkey bacon is also a great option. Cook according to package directions or in the oven.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor.
- Peas – Lightly steam the peas so that they are softened and not overly chewy, especially if you use frozen peas.
- Red onion – Adds a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and crunchy texture. Sliced green onions may be used instead.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Boil the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water two minutes less than the package instructions. Drain, rinse in cool water, and set the pasta aside to cool.
Make the dressing: While the pasta cools, whisk the sour cream and ranch mix seasoning together in a large bowl.
Assemble and serve: Add the bacon, shredded cheese, peas, and onion to the creamy ranch dressing. Next, gently toss in the cooled pasta, making sure that you don’t mush the tender pasta in the process.
Garnish and serve: Topped the assembled bacon ranch pasta salad with additional chopped bacon and sliced green onions, if desired.
Cooking Tips
- For a heartier main meal, add 1-2 cups of cooked chicken, or check out my loaded chicken ranch pasta salad recipe. If you choose to add chicken, you may need to add extra sour cream and ranch seasoning.
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the pasta from cooking any further. It will also rid the pasta of excess starch, which will prevent sticking while it cools.
- I love using my own ranch seasoning mix for this pasta salad, but you can also use store-bought ranch seasoning.
- Cook the bacon a day or two in advance to reduce preparation time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
- It’s normal for stored pasta salad to absorb dressing or sauce. If needed, mix a little prepared ranch dressing, milk, or even a little buttermilk into the leftover pasta salad.
- I haven’t included mayonnaise in this recipe, but you could experiment with it for a richer flavor.
- Optional additions include shredded carrots, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, or finely diced celery.
Serving Ideas
This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is the ideal side dish for burgers, jerk chicken, salmon, sandwiches and wraps, and chicken skewers. In fact, it’s hard to think of dishes that it won’t pair well with!
For a vegetarian meal, omit the bacon and serve it with easy grilled veggie skewers, corn on the cob, cornbread casserole, or baked zucchini fries.
Storage
For food safety reasons, this pasta salad should be refrigerated within 1-2 hours after assembly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
- Easy Pesto Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Spinach Pasta Salad Recipe with Strawberries
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Asian Pasta Salad
If you try making this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1½ cups sour cream, or a combination of mayo and sour cream
- 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix, homemade or store-bought
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, gently reheated and cooled
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced or diced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente (about two minutes less than the instructions on the package) then drain, rinse, and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream and ranch mix until fully combined.
- Add the bacon, cheese, peas, and onion and gently mix to combine, then gently fold in the cooled pasta.
- Serve with chopped bacon and sliced green onions if desired
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for put to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
