Loaded Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
A creamy, smoky, and crunchy pasta salad featuring ranch dressing, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare with just five main ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta, cooked al dente and rinsed
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: cherry tomatoes halved
- Optional: diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 8 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble once cooled.
- Thinly slice 3 green onions and shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. If using optional veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, prepare them now.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. Gently toss to combine.
- Pour 3/4 cup ranch dressing over the salad. Use a silicone spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together, ensuring even coating without mashing the pasta.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Use crispy bacon for best texture. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. To thin ranch dressing, add a splash of milk or buttermilk. Toss pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil if it sticks. Baking bacon on a wire rack is a less messy alternative to frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, green onions, crowd-pleaser, easy recipe, summer salad, potluck dish