Looking for the perfect make-ahead summer side dish? This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet peas, and shell pasta, all tossed in a rich homemade ranch dressing. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is always the first thing to disappear at a potluck.
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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
When it comes to recipes, I love quick and easy.
And with just 15 minutes of prep work, you can toss this one together in no time, which makes it perfect for those busy summer days when you need something to bring to a cookout but don’t want to spend the afternoon in the kitchen.
Whether you’re headed to a potluck, a backyard barbecue, or a neighborhood block party, this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is guaranteed to be a hit. Because everything is better with bacon — even pasta salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Table of Contents
- Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Equipment Needed
- How to Make Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- How to Store Leftover Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When to Serve Ranch Pasta Salad
- What to Serve with this Pasta Salad Recipe
- More Summer Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
- Bring This Easy Pasta Salad to Your Table
- Printable Recipe Card For Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!
Ingredients for Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Small Shell Pasta: Shell pasta is my go-to for this recipe, but rotini or bow ties work in a pinch.
- Ranch Dip Mix: The base of the dressing. The store brand dry ranch seasoning mix works great, or so does Hidden Valley. Just make sure you’re using dip mix, not dressing mix. It makes a difference in the final texture.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo gives the dressing its body without making it too heavy.
- Sour Cream: It’s what makes this dressing so rich and tangy. It’s what sets this pasta salad apart from versions made with mayo alone.
- Parsley and Dill: Two dried herbs that round out the ranch flavor and give the dressing that classic taste. Fresh works too if you have it on hand.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled into pieces.
- Cheddar Cheese: I prefer to use cubed rather than shredded cheddar cheese for better texture. Mild or sharp cheddar both work depending on your preference.
- Frozen Peas: Thawed and stirred right in for a pop of color and a little sweetness to balance the salty bacon and rich dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Add to taste at the end once everything is combined.
Equipment Needed
How to Make Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ready to make this easy creamy bacon ranch pasta salad recipe? Here are the step-by-step directions. There’s also a full printable recipe card with all the ingredients and instructions at the bottom of the post.
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
To kick off your ranch pasta salad, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water has reached a boil, add your shell pasta and cook until al-dente.
When done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse in cold water. Then pour the pasta into a large mixing bowl to cool and set it aside before adding the dressing.
Step 2: Mix the Ranch Dressing for Your Pasta Salad
Once the pasta has cooled, mix the dressing and prep the remainder of the ingredients for your salad, including the cheddar cheese, peas, and bacon.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dip mix, parsley, and dill. Stir until smooth and well combined, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and stir until all of the shells are evenly coated.
note from jen’s kitchen
Any brand of ranch dip seasoning mix will work here. I usually use the store brand from my local grocery store, but Hidden Valley Ranch is a great option too. Just make sure you’re using ranch dip mix (not dressing mix) for the best flavor and consistency.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients and Chill
To finish, add the cubed cheddar cheese, thawed peas, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
Then cover the bacon pasta salad and let it chill to flavor for at least one hour before serving. Once the salad has chilled, serve it up, then dig in and enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Have leftovers? Transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Give it a quick stir before serving, and if the dressing seems a little thick after chilling, you can add a small spoonful of sour cream or mayo and stir it back together.
note from jen’s kitchen
This pasta salad tends to absorb the dressing as it sits. If you’re making it more than a few hours ahead, consider reserving a little extra dressing to stir in right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! This is actually a great make-ahead dish. For best results, prep all the ingredients separately — cook the pasta, cube the cheese, thaw the peas, and cook and crumble the bacon. Mix the dressing and store it separately as well. Combine everything about an hour before serving and let it chill. That way, the pasta doesn’t absorb all the dressing overnight.
Q: Can I use dried or fresh herbs?
A: Either works! I typically use dried parsley and dill since I usually have them on hand. If you use fresh herbs, you may want to add a little extra since fresh herbs are milder in flavor than dried.
Q: Can I swap the cheddar for a different cheese?
A: Absolutely. A few readers have tried it with pepper jack for a little kick, and it’s delicious. Colby Jack would also be a great swap.
When to Serve Ranch Pasta Salad
This ranch pasta salad is one of my go-to recipes for just about any get-together, especially during the summertime! Here are a few ideas.
Father’s Day Backyard BBQ: This side is perfect for a Father’s Day BBQ. Easy, delicious, and pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill.
Patriotic Cookouts: Heading to a Memorial Day cookout or a Fourth of July party? This summer side dish will disappear faster than a popsicle on a hot day!
Casual Summer Gatherings: Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a low country boil, this simple bacon ranch pasta salad is always a great addition to your menu.
What to Serve with this Pasta Salad Recipe
This creamy bacon ranch pasta salad pairs perfectly with so many of my favorite grilling recipes and seasonal dishes. Here are a few of my favorites to round out your meal.
More Summer Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this bacon ranch pasta salad recipe, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite side dishes for BBQs
Bring This Easy Pasta Salad to Your Table
Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, packing for a picnic, or just need a reliable side dish to round out dinner, this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad delivers every time. It’s easy, it feeds a crowd, and it always gets rave reviews.
Prep it ahead, let it chill, and watch it disappear.
As always, feel free to leave any questions or feedback in the comments below. And if you try the recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating on the recipe card. It really helps!
Enjoy!
Printable Recipe Card For Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box small shell pasta (16 oz)
- 1 packet ranch dip mix (1 oz)
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 1 container sour cream (16 oz)
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon dill
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 block mild or sharp cheddar cheese, cubed (16 oz)
- 1 bag frozen peas, thawed (10 oz)
Instructions
- Cook the shell pasta according to the directions on the package. When done, drain and rinse with cool water. Dump into a large mixing bowl and set aside to cool.
- Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, parsley, and dill. Stir until well combined and pour over the pasta. Stir together until all of the pasta is coated.
- Add cubed cheese, thawed peas, and crumbled bacon. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper as needed to taste.
- Cover and chill for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!
Wonderfully easy recipe! I halved it, and substituted plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream and used regular shell pasta. YUM! Will definitely be making this again, and have already share the recipe with friends. Thanks!
That sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Delicious! The only thing I changed cheddar cheese was replaced with pepper jack cheese
And a little more mayo!
Yum! Sounds delish. Thank you for sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I added a I/2 cup more of mayonnaise and cucumbers diced up and it was delicious, I shared with my neighbor.
Yum! That sounds delicious. I’m glad you were able to share so your neighbor could enjoy some too!
I have just made this for the first time and even still a little warm it’s delicious!
I used shredded triple cheddar because that’s what I had. That’s the only thing different! Much better than the box kind!
Hi Stella,
Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed it…and I agree. The homemade version is so much better! 😉
Do you use dried or fresh herbs?
Hi Kasey! I usually use dried herbs since that’s what I have on hand most often, but fresh would work just fine too. You might just want to add a bit more to match the flavor of the dried.