Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Will Be the Star of the Potluck

Be the star of the potluck with this bacon ranch pasta salad! The combination of crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and juicy tomatoes makes this pasta salad the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Thanks to the fresh herbs in the homemade dressing, this barbecue side dish is a delicious introduction to cookout season. Everyone will beg for an extra scoop!

What’s in bacon ranch pasta salad?

Honest-to-goodness made-from-scratch ranch dressing holds this whole salad together. It might be tempting to reach for a green and white packet (it is still a great option!), but the reward of a homemade dressing is so worth it. A dash of salt is provided by cubed cheddar, olives, and crumbled bacon. Refreshing ingredients like cherry tomatoes, peas, and plenty of herbs add juiciness, crunch, and a bright finish.

Have frozen peas been cooked?

Frozen peas are flash-steamed before they're frozen. That means no cooking is required before adding them to this pasta salad. Simply let them thaw, then toss them in!

What pasta is good in bacon ranch pasta salad?

Pasta shapes with lots of ridges, swirls, nooks, and crannies for ingredients to get curled up in are perfect for this recipe. Cavatappi is an excellent option, while rotini, elbow macaroni, and shells are classic. Take a gander at the pasta section at the grocery store; there is bound to be a fun shape for this salad!

How do you make pasta salad not dry?

This is a common conundrum with cold pasta salad, especially if it is made ahead. But one trick for avoiding dry pasta salad is to cook the pasta 1 minute longer than package directions. Parched al dente pasta ends up soaking up too much dressing as it sits in the fridge, but soft, well-done noodles won't absorb so much dressing. The pasta will have a nice chew while still being blanketed in ranch. And isn’t that the dream?

Can bacon ranch pasta salad be made ahead of time?

Pasta salad is a perfect candidate for being made ahead of time. This pasta salad stores very well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If making it the day before, keep the bacon on the side until ready to serve (this ensures the bacon stays crispy). Have some milk or buttermilk on hand to moisten the pasta salad before scooping.

How long can bacon ranch pasta salad sit out?

According to the FDA, pasta salad shouldn't sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. If it's hotter than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it shouldn't sit out for more than one hour.

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tsp.

  kosher salt, plus more for pasta water and to taste

• 1

  (12-oz.) package bacon

• 1 lb.

  cavatappi pasta

• 1/2 c.

  mayonnaise

• 1/2 c.

  sour cream

• 1/2 c.

  buttermilk

• 1/4 c.

  flat-leaf parsley, chopped

• 1/4 c.

  fresh dill, chopped, plus more for topping

• 1 1/2 tbsp.

  fresh lemon juice

• 1

  garlic clove, grated

• 1 tsp.

  ground black pepper, plus more to taste

• 1 pt.

  grape tomatoes, halved

• 6 oz.

  sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1 c.

  frozen peas, thawed

• 1

  (4-oz.) container pimentos, drained

• 1

  (3.8-oz.) can sliced black olives, drained

• 4

  green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, turning as needed, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is golden and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. (You may need to cook the bacon in 2 batches, draining the rendered fat from the skillet between batches.) Let the bacon cool to room temperature, then crumble up into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the pasta 1 minute longer than package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.

4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the pasta, tomatoes, cheese, peas, pimentos, olives, green onion, and half of the bacon, tossing until well combined. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top the salad with the remaining bacon and more dill, and serve.

Tip: Save the bacon grease for roasted vegetables or cornbread.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Best Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas to Pull from Your Closet

• 10 Best Shampoos for Red Hair Like Ree Drummond's