Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad That’s Quick and Easy

I remember the first time I whipped up a creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad—it was a last-minute potluck, and I had just a few ingredients on hand. The crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and rich ranch dressing won everyone over instantly. As someone who loves quick, family-friendly recipes that feel homemade, this creamy bacon ranch pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever comfort food is a must.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and ease. The tender pasta is coated in a rich, creamy ranch dressing, while crispy bacon and sharp cheddar add savory depth in every bite. It’s a perfect creamy bacon ranch pasta that’s quick to make, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can add extra veggies, swap in different cheeses, or even toss in grilled chicken for a hearty twist. Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this simple bacon pasta salad keeps everyone happy. The creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad also reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. With just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re searching for a creamy ranch pasta salad or a bacon pasta salad with mayo, this recipe delivers bold flavors and effortless preparation every time.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad combines simple, flavorful ingredients that come together in minutes. The pasta forms the hearty base, perfectly coated with a creamy ranch dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. Crispy bacon and shredded cheddar provide savory richness, while fresh vegetables like red onion, celery, and bell pepper add crunch and color. Each ingredient balances comfort and freshness, making this creamy bacon ranch pasta a family-friendly favorite that’s customizable and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Pasta Salad:
12 oz rotini or elbow pasta
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced celery (optional for crunch)
½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

For the Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
½ cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (or homemade ranch)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

How to Make This Recipe

Making this creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad is quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Start with perfectly cooked pasta as the base for this creamy bacon ranch pasta. Combine crispy, savory bacon and sharp cheddar to give the salad rich flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables like red onion, celery, and bell pepper add crunch and color. Toss everything with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing to create a luscious creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad that’s family-friendly, customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. This simple bacon pasta salad can also be made ahead and chilled, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.

🛒 Steps:

Cook 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Cook 8 slices bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Dice ½ cup red onion, ½ cup celery, and ½ cup green bell pepper (optional).
In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, cheddar, and vegetables. Pour dressing over and toss until fully coated.
Chill for 1–2 hours before serving. Stir gently and garnish with extra bacon or cheddar if desired.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad is all about balance and technique. Use perfectly cooked pasta as the base for your creamy bacon ranch pasta to ensure every bite is tender yet firm. Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar give rich, savory flavor, while fresh vegetables like red onion, celery, and bell pepper add crunch and freshness. The creamy dressing—made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Hidden Valley Ranch—ties all the flavors together, making this creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad a family favorite that’s quick, easy, and highly customizable.

💡 Expert Tips:

Cook 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Cook 8 slices of bacon until extra crispy, then crumble for the perfect texture.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor in your creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad.
Dice ½ cup red onion, ½ cup celery, and ½ cup green bell pepper for color and crunch.
Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice for a rich creamy dressing.
Chill the salad for 1–2 hours to let the flavors meld for a flavorful creamy bacon pasta salad.
Add extra bacon or cheese on top when serving for a visually appealing and indulgent touch.

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This creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad is a simple yet indulgent dish that everyone will love. With tender pasta, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a rich ranch dressing, it’s the ultimate creamy bacon ranch pasta for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. Quick to make, fully customizable, and easy to prepare ahead of time, this creamy bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad recipe delivers bold flavor and comfort in every bite. Enjoy it chilled or fresh for a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A rich and creamy pasta salad loaded with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight sides, this salad is easy to make and loved by everyone.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta

• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup diced red onion

• ½ cup diced celery (optional for crunch)

• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (or homemade ranch)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and gently toss until fully coated.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving. Garnish with extra bacon or cheddar if desired.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Perfect to prepare a day ahead; flavors improve after chilling.
• Variations: Add cooked chicken for a heartier salad, or swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1–2 hours
• Category: Salad / Side Dish
• Method: No-bake / Tossed / Chilled
• Cuisine: American