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The Ultimate Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A mound of creamy ranch pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, green peas, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese on a white plate.
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Make this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad for your next gathering. It combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables with a rich ranch dressing. This easy side dish is perfect for potlucks and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more, for desired consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning mix, milk, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, thawed peas, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Gently fold all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the ranch dressing.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. If the salad seems too thick after chilling, stir in one extra tablespoon of milk to reach your preferred creamy consistency.

Notes

  • You can prepare this make ahead salad up to one day in advance. Add extra dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much moisture while chilling.
  • For a heartier meal, add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to make this a Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
  • Use your favorite pasta shape; shells or bowtie pasta work well in this crowd pleasing pasta salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/ranch-pasta-salad-ultimate-creamy-bacon/