Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, it combines comforting flavors in a simple, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup liquid ranch dressing
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 lb bacon
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and place in a large bowl to cool.
- Step 2: Cook bacon in the oven at 400ºF for 25 minutes until crispy. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Step 4: When the pasta has cooled but is still warm, add the green onions, grated cheddar, and half of the chopped bacon. Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir gently to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers to the salad.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier, lighter dressing.
- Use rotini or bowtie pasta for a fun texture and better dressing hold.
- Make the salad a day ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bacon topping separate until serving to maintain its crispiness. Reheat is not recommended; best served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works well with this salad. Just cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Is it okay to use bottled ranch dressing?
Absolutely! Bottled ranch dressing works perfectly and adds convenience, but you can also use homemade ranch for a fresher taste.
PrintCreamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
A creamy, savory pasta salad combining tender pasta, crispy oven-baked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch dressing for a perfect side dish or potluck favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup liquid ranch dressing
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 lb bacon
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl to allow it to cool.
- Bake Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Arrange the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until crispy. Remove from the oven and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and liquid ranch dressing until smooth and combined.
- Combine Ingredients: When the pasta has cooled but is still warm, add chopped green onions, grated cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped bacon. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Refrigerate the pasta salad until chilled.
- Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon on top to add extra crunch and flavor. Serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Using warm pasta when adding dressing helps the flavors meld better.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade ranch dip for a fresher taste.
- Leftover bacon stores well in the fridge and can be prepared ahead of time.
- This pasta salad is great for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat sour cream and low-calorie ranch dressing.
Keywords: Creamy bacon pasta salad, cheddar ranch pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, summer pasta salad, side dish pasta salad
