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This Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect make-ahead side dish that everyone will ask you for! It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and so simple to throw together. Whether you’re headed to a summer BBQ, planning a holiday dinner, or just want something easy to meal prep for the week, this pasta salad is always a hit!
My husband never had cold pasta salad growing up, so when I mentioned this recipe to him early in our marriage, he was not impressed. However, after his first bite, he was hooked! The taste and texture of this cold pasta salad are a summer classic that the whole family will love!
Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
We love serving this chilled next to BBQ chicken sandwiches or grilled chicken, and it disappears fast at family gatherings. Bonus? It’s super customizable based on what you already have in the fridge.
Why We Love This Recipe (and you will too!)
- Quick and Easy – You can have this ready to chill in under 20 minutes.
- Full of Flavor – That creamy Ranch dressing + bacon, cheddar, and broccoli combo is absolutely crave-worthy.
- Great for a Crowd – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this pasta salad! The ingredients are so fun and fresh that it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! And remember, you can grab the full printable recipe with measurements at the end of the post!
- Pasta – Rotini or bowtie pasta work great for holding onto the creamy dressing.
- Ranch Dressing Powder – Adds a savory kick and is a major flavor profile of this dish.
- Bacon – Though this is technically optional, in order to get the full and intended taste, I would highly recommend it! You can use bacon bits or make fresh bacon and chop it roughly.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets for a nice crunch and fresh bite.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar adds richness and flavor.
- Mayonnaise – Makes the base of the creamy dressing.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the whole salad.
- Optional Add-ins – Diced red radishes or red onions are amazing if you want to level it up!
Instructions
This salad comes together in just a few simple steps! I like to make this the day before I’ll be serving it, just for the best flavor combination, but as long as you chill it for at least an hour, it will be delicious!
- Cook – Boil your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Mix – In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, and Ranch powder until smooth.
- Combine – Add your drained pasta, bacon, and broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until everything is evenly coated, then fold in your shredded cheese and any optional extras you want.
- Chill & Serve – Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can blend and the salad is nice and cold.
Even More Easy Dishes for Summer
Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 dry packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup broccoli crowns finely cut
- 1/4 cup real bacon pieces
Instructions
- Boil your pasta, as directed.
- Once your pasta is cooked, rinse it under cool water until it's cold. Add it back to the pot while you mix the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the ranch packet and the mayo and mix until well combined. Add pasta to large bowl.
- Chop the broccoli into tiny pieces, crowns only, and add it to the pasta.
- Dice the radish or onions (optional) and add it to the pasta as well.
- Add the cheese to the pasta, along with the bacon.
- Mix ingredients with a silicone spatula to combine well.
- Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrition
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