Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
I use to nail those Hamburger Helper ranch pasta salad meals when they first came out. Now I think they are downright disgusting!! Maybe it’s because I have so many wonderful homemade pasta salads in my collection. One of my favorites is this bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad.
This creamy, cold pasta salad is bursting with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, broccoli, crisp bacon, cheddar, olives, and red onions. The ranch-mayo dressing is the perfect balance to provide flavor and creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
Makes a great summer side dish but I’ve eaten this for lunch on many occasions, it’s pretty filling.
*NOTE* I always make and dress this pasta salad as soon as I’m ready to serve it. This makes for a creamy, beautiful pasta salad with crisp veggies and bacon. If it sits overnight the pasta starts to absorb some of the sauce and the bacon and veggies begin to soften. (Still yummy but not as pretty and crunchy)
Watch me make this creamy, bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad from start to finish!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups bow-tie pasta, uncooked
- 2/3 cup cheddar cheese crumbles
- 6 slices cooked bacon, diced
- 2-3 small tomatoes, seeded & diced
- 2/3 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
- 2/3 cup red onions, diced
- 1/3 cup black olives
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, I used Dukes
- 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2-1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Be careful not overcook.
- Drain pasta and rinse with cold water until pasta is cool.
- Add drained pasta to a large bowl.
- Add in the bacon, broccoli, red onions, black olives, and tomatoes.
- Toss to combine. (you may need to add a tiny bit of water to moisten the pasta if it's too sticky to toss)
- In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, garlic, and oregano.
- When ready to serve, mix the dressing in with the pasta mixture until well coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to add in your favorite veggies and meats!
Dress the pasta salad right when you are ready to serve.
If you like a super creamy pasta salad, double to dressing mixture.
I tried this recipe Saturday and it was a hit! I followed it to the T! Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Awesome recipe Monique! I have made before but I used some cheese tortellini I had on hand rather than the bow tie pasta. Sometimes I substitute a creamy Italian dressing for the ranch dressing but this salad is always a winner!
I have used so many of your recipes. I’ve been meaning to leave a comment, never do however when I made the Bacon Cheddar Ranch pasta salad I had to stop and let you know it was the BOMB. I never ever have to wonder if I’m wasting my time when I try one of your recipes. They are always perfect down to the salt and pepper. My daughter brags because she knows how to tweek a recipe and I don’t. With your recipes I never ever have to TWEEK anything. So there!
I’m loving your recipes and channel. Can’t wait to try this scrumptious looking salad. Thanks for sharing from one kitchen girl to another!
I just came across your site and so glad I did! You have a great selection and can’t wait to start cookin! I have my babies first birthday this weekend and needed a new salad that would be kid friendly. I will use the mini bow tie pasta for my baby girl ; ) Thanks girl
Beautiful girl, thanks so much, for you time and share with us amazing talent…pls Wich ranch dressing you use, y try it y o many and i did not Find a good one thanks Gbu..Viv
Is the broccoli cooked?
No