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Close up square photo of Pasta Salad in white ridged serving bowl.
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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

With easy and tasty ingredients, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side for your spring and summer gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time:30 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 719kcal
Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 1 pound spiral pasta
  • 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley

Creamy ranch dressing:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried ranch seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to packet directions. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
  • To make the creamy ranch dressing, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice and ranch seasoning to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl along with the cooked bacon, thawed peas, grated cheese and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir through until well combined.
  • Cover and refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer to let the flavors marry.
  • Serve from the mixing bowl or transfer to a large salad bowl to serve.

Notes

  1. You can use another type of pasta if desired, see some suggestions above.
  2. We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
  3. This is a great side dish to bring to a gathering or just to have at your own family grill out.
  4. Other ingredients can be added, see above on some ideas.
  5. Use other cheese if you want, cubed works great. I have listed some options above.
  6. To cool your pasta faster, run cold water over it in the strainer.
  7. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add some milk or buttermilk to your dressing until it thins out to your desired consistency.
  8. After storing the pasta may soak up some of the dressing, you can always make more and stir it in to make it creamy again.

Nutrition

Calories: 719kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 783mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 789IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 2mg