Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I still remember the first time I made this Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon. It was a sunny afternoon, and my sister had come over for a quick weekend visit. I wanted something simple, comforting, and indulgent, something that would make her feel at home instantly. I rummaged through my pantry, pulled out some pasta, grabbed a few ingredients from the fridge, and started tossing together what would become one of my favourite summer salads. By the time she arrived, the creamy aroma of bacon, ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables filled the kitchen, and I knew I had a winner.
Ever since that day, this Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon has been my go-to dish for gatherings, potlucks, and even lazy nights when I just want something satisfying without too much fuss. It’s easy, it’s full of flavour, and it somehow feels like a hug on a plate. The combination of tender pasta, crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables, and that rich, tangy ranch dressing? Pure magic.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something genuinely special about a dish that everyone can enjoy, and this salad does exactly that. Every time I prepare it, I’m reminded of those small, beautiful moments in my kitchen chopping veggies, frying bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, and stirring the pasta into that creamy dressing. Cooking, for me, isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about creating memories with loved ones.
I love that this recipe is flexible. You can add more bacon for a smoky twist, toss in extra veggies for a crunchier bite, or even sprinkle some cheese for an extra indulgent treat. It’s versatile, comforting, and quick to prepare everything I need on a busy day. Most importantly, it brings people together. There’s nothing better than seeing my nieces dig into this salad at a family picnic or my friends asking for seconds at a dinner party.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need to make my Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon. I like to keep things simple, but I also have a few little secrets that make this salad extra special:
- 300g pasta (I love using fusilli or rotini the spirals hold the dressing beautifully)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought works, but homemade is heavenly)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Little kitchen secrets:
- Cook pasta al dente it holds its shape perfectly when mixed with the creamy dressing.
- Fry bacon until very crisp a little extra crunch makes a huge difference.
- Mix dressing while pasta is warm – the flavors meld beautifully when everything is slightly warm.
- Add veggies last it keeps them fresh and crisp.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Fry the bacon in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red bell pepper, and mince the red onion.
- Make the creamy ranch dressing mix by combining ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Toss the pasta with the creamy dressing while it’s still slightly warm. This allows the dressing to coat every piece perfectly.
- Add bacon, vegetables, and cheese, folding gently to mix evenly without crushing the veggies.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of colour and freshness.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this salad straight from the bowl, family-style. There’s something comforting about letting everyone dig in together. For special occasions, I sometimes serve it in individual glass bowls, layering the pasta and vegetables for a pretty presentation. Pair it with grilled chicken or a light soup for a complete meal. On picnics, I keep it chilled in a cooler it tastes just as good cold and is a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the pasta and dressing a day in advance. Keep bacon and fresh veggies separate until just before serving to maintain texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm version, gently reheat the pasta without the veggies and mix in the cold veggies and bacon afterward.
100-Word Short Version
This Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is my ultimate comfort dish, combining tender pasta, crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing. I start by cooking pasta al dente, fry bacon until crisp, then mix everything with a simple ranch and mayo dressing. Fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers add vibrant color and crunch. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese and parsley elevates the flavor. Serve it chilled for a picnic, family gathering, or as a weeknight side. It’s easy, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser a hug on a plate that brings everyone together.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 300g pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 6 slices bacon, crispy
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Fry bacon until crispy, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion.
- Mix ranch, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss pasta with the dressing while slightly warm.
- Fold in bacon, vegetables, and cheddar cheese.
- Garnish with parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.
📝 Notes
- Pasta tastes best slightly warm when mixing with dressing.
- Keep veggies and bacon separate if making ahead to preserve texture.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.
- Can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup 🍴
Calories: 350 kcal 🔥
Sugar: 4g 🍬
Sodium: 450mg 🧂
Fat: 20g 🥓
Saturated Fat: 7g 🧈
Unsaturated Fat: 12g 🌿
Trans Fat: 0g ❌
Carbohydrates: 28g 🍞
Fiber: 2g 🌾
Protein: 10g 🍗
Cholesterol: 35mg 🥚
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is a comforting, family-friendly dish packed with tender pasta, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich ranch dressing. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, this salad brings warmth and flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 6 slices bacon, crispy
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Fry bacon until crispy, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion.
- Mix ranch, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss pasta with the dressing while slightly warm.
- Fold in bacon, vegetables, and cheddar cheese.
- Garnish with parsley and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Pasta tastes best slightly warm when mixing with dressing. Keep veggies and bacon separate if making ahead to preserve texture. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals. Can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 35
Conclusion
This Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory maker. Every bite brings warmth, comfort, and a little nostalgia for sunny afternoons spent in the kitchen with family and friends. I hope you try this at home, tweak it to your taste, and share it with your loved ones. Cooking is about joy, love, and togetherness and this salad embodies all three. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every creamy, crunchy, bacon-filled bite.