Description
An easy, crave-worthy pasta salad combining creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta. A family favorite that’s simple to make with just five main ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing (180 ml)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100 g)
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: halved cherry tomatoes
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: cooked chicken or crispy ranch-seasoned chicken strips
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water). Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon strips and cook until crispy but not burnt, flipping occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Optionally save a teaspoon of bacon fat to toss with pasta for extra flavor.
- Thinly slice green onions and any optional veggies like cherry tomatoes. Prepare any optional cooked chicken or other proteins.
- Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions to the bowl with pasta. Pour ranch dressing over everything and toss gently until well combined. If dry, add more ranch dressing a tablespoon at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Use thick-cut bacon for better texture. Make ahead and chill for enhanced flavor. Save a teaspoon of bacon fat to toss with pasta for extra flavor but use sparingly to avoid greasiness. Add toasted sunflower seeds or crispy fried onions for extra texture. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the salad if it feels heavy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 560
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: bacon ranch pasta salad, easy pasta salad, family favorite pasta salad, 5 ingredient pasta salad, loaded pasta salad, picnic side dish, potluck recipe