Savory Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
A hearty and fresh pasta salad combining smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and crisp fresh veggies, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or blend
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber and 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and finely chop 1/4 cup red onion if using. Chop 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives for garnish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta, chopped bacon, veggies, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour 3/4 cup ranch dressing over and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. A quick 15-minute chill works if short on time.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
Notes
Do not overdress the salad to avoid soggy pasta. Toss while pasta is still warm for better dressing adhesion. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Keep extra dressing on the side if making ahead. For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute bacon and cheese accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
Keywords: bacon ranch pasta salad, pasta salad, bacon salad, ranch dressing, summer salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad