Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Elevate your next gathering with this Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad—a creamy, flavor-packed side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners! This irresistible recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes, peas, and green onions, all tossed in a rich blend of tangy ranch dressing and sour cream. The smoky crunch of bacon and the cool, creamy dressing create a delightful contrast, while a touch of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes and served chilled, this crowd-pleaser is as simple to whip up as it is delicious. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or wowing guests, this pasta salad will become a go-to favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, thawed peas, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Mix until evenly distributed.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and gently toss again.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
575 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.3 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 63 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 789 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.4 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 20.4 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 246 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 352 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
