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Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful side dish loaded with tender pasta, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, or an easy make-ahead lunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 465
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces 340 g short pasta (rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells)
  • 8 slices bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese cubed or shredded
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For the Ranch Dressing
  • ¾ cup ranch dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk if needed to thin the dressing

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  4. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  5. Drain well and let the pasta cool completely.
  6. Cook the Bacon:
  7. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  8. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  9. Chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
  10. Make the Ranch Dressing:
  11. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  12. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  13. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  14. Assemble the Pasta Salad:
  15. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, parsley or chives, and black pepper.
  16. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
  17. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  18. Chill:
  19. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2–3 hours is even better) to allow the flavors to meld.
  20. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk or extra ranch dressing if needed.
  21. Garnish with additional bacon, cheddar cheese, or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Allow the pasta to cool completely before adding the dressing.
Reserve a little bacon for garnish to keep it extra crispy.
Freshly shredded sharp cheddar provides the best flavor.
This salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours.