This Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a must-have for summer BBQs, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. Featuring tender pasta, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed & creamy – ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese make this irresistible
Great for meal prep – can be made ahead and stored in the fridge
Perfect for potlucks & BBQs – serves a crowd and pairs well with grilled meats
Easy to customize – add extra veggies or proteins to make it your own
Quick to prepare – ready in just 30 minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta Salad:

1 lb rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
8 oz bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 orange bell pepper (diced)
2 sticks celery (diced)
4 green onions (chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

For the Creamy Ranch Dressing:

1½ cups Hellmann’s mayonnaise
1½ cups whole milk
6 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Bacon & Veggies

In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on a paper towel, then crumble.
Dice bell peppers, celery, and green onions. Mince the garlic.

3. Make the Creamy Ranch Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, whole milk, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Pasta Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, bacon, bell peppers, celery, green onions, garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the ingredients and toss to combine.

5. Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve cold, garnished with extra bacon or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Extra Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, diced ham, or hard-boiled eggs.
Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or Parmesan instead of cheddar.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: Best made a few hours ahead so flavors can develop.
Refreshing Leftovers: If the dressing thickens, stir in a splash of milk before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Rotini, bowtie, penne, or macaroni work well.

2. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Rinse under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process.

3. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

4. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?

Yes! Replace the mayonnaise, milk, and ranch seasoning with 2 cups of bottled ranch dressing.

5. How do I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk and vegan mayo, and skip the cheese.

6. What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?

Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet or pan-fry until crispy.

7. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or peas.

8. How do I prevent my salad from drying out?

If making ahead, add extra dressing before serving to keep it creamy.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

10. Can I serve this warm?

Yes, but it’s best chilled for a refreshing taste.

Conclusion

This Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep. Loaded with crisp bacon, fresh veggies, cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make pasta salad that will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy every delicious bite!