Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
Forget those lifeless pasta salads drowning in mystery dressing. This one brings actual flavor, thanks to a rich, tangy ranch-infused sauce. We’re talking al dente pasta, crunchy veggies, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese—all coated in a creamy, herby dressing. It’s ridiculously easy, dangerously addictive, and guaranteed to outshine any sad side dish at the potluck. No more bland, uninspired bites—this salad actually tastes like something. Make it once, and you’ll wonder why you ever suffered through the store-bought stuff. Ready to upgrade your pasta salad game? Grab a fork and let’s get started.
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
A ridiculously creamy, flavor-packed ranch pasta salad loaded with crisp vegetables, smoky bacon, and tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, lunches, or midnight cravings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta spirals, shells—anything that holds sauce well
- ½ cup ranch dressing homemade or store-bought, no judgment
- ¼ cup mayonnaise for that extra creamy kick
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded (because life is better with cheese)
- ½ cup crispy bacon crumbled (don’t skimp on this)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (adds juiciness, not just color)
- ½ cup bell pepper diced (choose your favorite shade of crunch)
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped (optional, but worth it)
- ½ cup cucumber diced (keeps things fresh)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (adds a fancy touch)
- Salt & black pepper to taste (because seasoning is everything)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. No one likes gummy noodles.
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Try not to eat it all before it hits the salad.
- Chop the vegetables while resisting the urge to snack on everything.
- Mix ranch, mayo, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Try not to drink it.
- Combine pasta, veggies, cheese, and bacon in a large bowl. Pour in the dressing and mix until every piece is coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend. Or eat immediately if patience isn’t your thing.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 7%
- Vitamin C: 12%
- Potassium: 8%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
- Let it chill longer for even better flavor absorption.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like a little heat.
- Store leftovers in the fridge—but don’t expect them to last long.
