Print

Creamy Loaded Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

creamy loaded bacon ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy pasta salad loaded with crispy bacon, fresh dill, and a homemade ranch dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sliced green onions or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, cook 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, bake bacon on a sheet pan at 400°F for 15-18 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion, and mince 2 tablespoons fresh dill. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, crumbled bacon, chopped veggies, shredded cheddar, and fresh dill. Pour the ranch dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss gently again and garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse immediately after boiling to stop cooking and cool. Crisp bacon well for best texture. Fresh dill adds brightness but use sparingly to avoid overpowering. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. If salad is dry after chilling, stir in 1-2 tablespoons milk to loosen dressing. Use a sturdy spoon to toss gently to avoid breaking tomatoes or pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, summer recipe, creamy pasta salad, picnic dish, BBQ side, fresh dill

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-loaded-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/