Creamy Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad is the ultimate cold pasta salad perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or easy summer dinners. This creamy pasta salad recipe combines tender rotini pasta, crispy bacon, sweet green peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onions, all tossed in a rich and tangy ranch dressing.
It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both savory and refreshing. This easy pasta salad recipe is a must-have in your collection of go-to pasta salad recipes, including variations like Pea And Bacon Pasta Salad.
Delicious Cold Pasta Salad with Bacon
This vibrant Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful addition to any summer gathering. The combination of colorful rotini pasta, crispy bacon, and bright green peas creates a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress guests.
The creamy ranch dressing adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the savory elements of the salad. With shredded cheddar cheese and diced red onions mixed in, this creamy pasta salad recipe is both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients That Shine
Each component of this pasta salad plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The rotini pasta serves as a sturdy base, holding onto the creamy dressing and other ingredients.
Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch, while sweet green peas provide a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. Shredded cheddar cheese introduces a creamy richness, and diced red onions offer a sharp bite that balances the dish beautifully.
Preparation Made Easy
Making this cold pasta salad is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Start by cooking the rotini pasta until it’s al dente, then rinse it under cold water to cool.
While the pasta cools, fry the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the peas, crumbled bacon, cheese, and onions.
Bringing It All Together
Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, drizzle the ranch dressing over the mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously cohesive dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This creamy pasta salad recipe is versatile enough to be served at various events, from casual BBQs to potlucks. Its vibrant colors and inviting presentation make it a standout dish on any table.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad with bacon is sure to please. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste. Consider adding cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness or bell peppers for extra crunch.
For a twist, try incorporating other ingredients like diced cucumbers or olives. If you’re a fan of herbs, fresh parsley or dill can enhance the flavor profile even further.
This easy pasta salad recipe is a fantastic starting point for creating your own signature dish. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, it’s bound to be a hit!
Delicious Cold Pasta Salad with Bacon
To make this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, cook the pasta until al dente, then rinse and cool it. While the pasta cools, fry bacon until crisp, then crumble it. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the peas, bacon, cheese, onions, and dressing until evenly coated. Chill before serving for the best flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sweet green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta cools, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.
- Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g