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The Best Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad made with rotini pasta, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and homemade ranch dressing in a serving bowl.
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This creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a Greek yogurt ranch dressing that keeps it rich, tangy, and perfect for cookouts, BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 1 lb bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed (about 16 oz block)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

Creamy Ranch Dressing

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 TBSP ranch seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2–3 TBSP milk, as needed

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the bacon, cheese, and vegetables.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
  4. Reserve about ½ cup of the dressing for refreshing the pasta salad before serving.
  5. Add the cooled pasta, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, broccoli, red onion, green onions, and red bell pepper to a large mixing bowl.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. (Remember to reserve 1/2 cup)
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  8. Before serving, stir in the reserved dressing to keep the pasta salad creamy.

Notes

For best texture, cook the pasta just to al dente and rinse it well with cold water.

Reserve part of the dressing before mixing. Pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it chills, and stirring in the reserved dressing before serving keeps this pasta salad creamy.

Use freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor and texture.

If the salad thickens after chilling, add an extra splash of milk before serving.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad/