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Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A creamy, flavorful pasta salad combining crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and tender pasta, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 8 slices of bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble when cool enough to handle.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup ranch dressing, ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Add the warm pasta to the dressing mixture while it’s still slightly warm to help flavors meld. Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a few pieces for garnish if desired.
  5. Fold in 2 finely chopped celery stalks, 3 sliced green onions, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper carefully, tasting as you go because bacon and ranch already provide salt.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry and thicken the dressing slightly before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sogginess. Add bacon while pasta is still warm to enhance flavor absorption. Be cautious with added salt as bacon and ranch are salty. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients accordingly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir in a splash of milk or ranch if salad thickens too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, family gathering, potluck, easy recipe

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-family-gatherings/