Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon ranch pasta salad is indisputable proof these two flavors belong together. Rich and smoky bacon makes the perfect vehicle for a sauce that's both tangy and packed with the flavors of fresh herbs. Together, this combo offers the perfect indulgent coating for chilled cooked pasta and some sliced cherry tomatoes.

We throw shredded Parmesan into the mix to add a layer of salty goodness, and fresh dill is stirred in to further brighten the pasta salad and enhance the herby taste of the ranch seasoning.

Learn how to make bacon ranch pasta salad. You can use whatever noodle shape you'd like, but for sentimental reasons, we stick to traditional cavatappi or elbow pasta because it reminds us of the pasta salads made by our grandmothers.

Ingredients for Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta coated with a creamy, ranch-flavored dressing and shredded Parmesan, with pops of cherry tomatoes and crispy bacon—what's not to love? To make bacon ranch pasta salad, you'll need:

• Bacon: For a smoky, protein-rich addition with a crispy texture. The only non-negotiable in this recipe is that you use high-quality bacon because it's incomparable in flavor and texture and elevates this pasta salad into another realm of greatness. Trust us, this bacon-heavy dish requires the best, and once you taste it, you'll already look forward to leftovers. We prefer Wright brand bacon for this dish.
• Sour cream: Adds a creamy tanginess to the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: A rich, creamy base for the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Acidity to balance the richness of the dressing.
• Ranch seasoning: A flavor booster with notes of buttermilk, onion, garlic, and herbs.
• Garlic powder: Subtle garlicky flavor to add depth to the salad.
• Cooked cavatappi or elbow pasta: The base of the pasta salad. Substitute with any preferred pasta shapes, if desired.
• Shredded Parmesan: An umami-rich, cheesy addition.
• Cherry tomatoes: Pops of color and juiciness.
• Dill: An herbal touch that adds color and an earthy flavor to the salad.
  

How To Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

While it takes only 35 minutes to prepare, we recommend making this pasta salad the night before, if you can, to give the flavors time to meld. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook bacon: Cook the bacon in the oven, and then drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop when cool.
• Step 2. Make dressing: In a large bowl, stir to combine sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder.
• Step 3. Finish pasta salad: Stir in remaining ingredients. Garnish with more dill before serving.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Variations

To change up this pasta salad, consider these variations:

• Pasta: Swap the cavatappi or elbow pasta with rotini, fusilli, gemelli, penne, or any other preferred shapes.
• Cheese: Add shredded Cheddar or crumbled blue cheese for a unique touch.
• Veggies: Add flavor and texture with diced avocado, bell peppers, cucumbers, spinach, arugula, or red onions.
• Mayonnaise: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream, if preferred.
• Protein: Bulk up the salad with shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs. You can also substitute the bacon with turkey bacon.
• Garnishes: Top with more crumbled bacon for a final flourish.
  

Tips for the Best Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

For the best bacon ranch pasta salad, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right pasta: Cavatappi is a great fit for this recipe, but fusilli, penne, or farfalle are also popular choices for pasta salads. Opt for any shape with nooks and crannies to catch every bit of that delicious dressing.
• Cooking the pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water, just until al dente, for the best flavor and texture.
• Cool the pasta: Cool the pasta completely before adding the dressing to avoid separation or a dry result.
  
• Revive before serving: If making the pasta salad ahead, re-season to taste, and revive, if needed, by adding a splash of milk to loosen up the texture before serving.

Can I Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Ahead?

Making this salad in advance can help the flavors meld and deepen. In fact, we recommend it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the pasta salad up to one day before serving for the freshest flavor and texture. Consider stirring in the cherry tomatoes, dill, and chopped bacon on the day of serving.

How To Store Leftover Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Refrigerate leftovers of this pasta salad for up to three days. Any longer, and the texture and quality may start to decline. Stir and add a splash of milk to loosen, or re-season as needed before serving.

What To Serve With Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon ranch pasta salad is the perfect side for a barbecue, picnic, potluck, luncheon, or really anytime you have a craving. Pair with grilled meats, burgers, ribs, fried chicken, sandwiches, and more.

Serve with other classic sides, including corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, grilled veggies, salads, and fruit salad.

More Hearty Pasta Salad Recipes You'll Love

If you haven't tried these pasta salad recipes, you're in for a treat. Each one is unique, delicious, and a great summer side dish:

• Cowboy Pasta Salad
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
• BLT Pasta Salad
• Seafood Pasta Salad
• Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
• Chicken Tortellini Salad
• Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.