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Creamy BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon

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A creamy, smoky, and tangy pasta salad featuring a homemade BBQ ranch dressing and crispy bacon, perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta (or elbow macaroni)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (mid-sweet style)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon. Cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Add the warm (not hot) pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Fold in chopped bacon, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup sliced green onions. Stir gently to distribute everything without breaking the pasta.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use warm (not hot) pasta when mixing with dressing to prevent separation. Cook bacon until crispy for best texture. Salad holds well for up to 2 days refrigerated. Add a splash of milk or extra BBQ sauce if salad seems dry after chilling. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, BBQ ranch, bacon, summer picnic, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, BBQ pasta salad, picnic recipe

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