0 from 81 votes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for barbecues and summer get-togethers. It’s fresh, yummy, and always a crowd pleaser!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 392 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz. package uncooked tri-color pasta
- 5 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 envelope dry ranch salad dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 small cucumber, chopped into 1/4 moon slices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, making sure not to overcook. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and garlic pepper. Stir in the milk until mixture is nice and smooth.
- Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the dressing mixture, and stir to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours. When ready to serve, add in the chopped bacon, veggies, and cheese, and toss to coat. You can also add a splash of milk to smooth the pasta salad out as needed.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- You can add in a variety of veggies to this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, or leave them out altogether if you wish. I’ve made it many times, adding ingredients or not, and it always come out great. I LOVE adding chopped cucumber because it adds a pretty pop of green and a nice bit of crunch.
- Be sure to refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving for best flavor!
- Can you freeze pasta salad? - due to the creamy nature of the mayo-based dressing in this pasta salad, I do not recommend freezing it after it's been prepared. The mayonnaise will separate once it's thawed and will not lend to the best taste or texture.
- How long is pasta salad good for in the fridge? - Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories
392kcal
(20%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
25g
(38%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Cholesterol
29mg
(10%)
Sodium
507mg
(21%)
Potassium
202mg
(6%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
240IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
4.4mg
(5%)
Calcium
110mg
(11%)
Iron
0.8mg
(4%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 392
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 392kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 507mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 202mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 240IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4.4mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 110mg | 11% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.