How to make a bacon pasta salad?

To make bacon pasta salad, cook pasta until al dente, fry bacon until crispy, and prepare a creamy dressing with mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and spices. Toss everything together with cheese and vegetables, then chill before serving.

Can you put ranch in pasta salad?

Yes! Ranch dressing (or dry ranch mix with mayo and milk) is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to flavor pasta salad. It adds tangy, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with bacon and cheese.

What is the secret to a good pasta salad?

The key is balance: use al dente pasta so it doesn’t get soggy, add a creamy yet light dressing, include a mix of crunchy and fresh vegetables, and don’t forget to chill the salad so flavors can meld together. Adding bacon at the last minute helps keep it crisp.

What is in a bacon ranch macaroni salad?

A typical bacon ranch macaroni salad includes pasta (like rotini or macaroni), crispy bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, black olives, and fresh vegetables such as tomatoes. Some variations add cucumbers, green onions, or bell peppers.

How long does bacon ranch pasta salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it will last 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Stir in a splash of milk before serving to refresh the texture.

Can I make bacon ranch pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance. Just keep the bacon separate until serving if you want it extra crunchy.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe – Easy & Creamy Crowd Favorite

Name: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487923H40M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta; 10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; 1 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix; 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup milk (or as needed); 1 large tomato, chopped; 1 (4.25-ounce) can sliced black olives; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

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This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad combines rotini pasta, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies in a tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for cookouts and gatherings.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Mix & Chill
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta

10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

1 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix

1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup milk (or as needed)

1 large tomato, chopped

1 (4.25-ounce) can sliced black olives

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, 8–10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch mix, garlic pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in milk until smooth.

4. Add cooled pasta, chopped bacon, tomato, olives, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss until well coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Add a splash of milk if salad seems dry.

Notes

For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or green onions.
To keep bacon crispy, mix it in just before serving.
This pasta salad tastes even better when chilled overnight.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 335
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 31mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/bacon-ranch-pasta-salad/