Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is Really One of the Easiest and Best Pasta Salads Ever! This homemade Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is made with cavatappi pasta, crispy bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, peas, pimentos, black olives, and green onions.
It’s dressed with a homemade ranch dressing, which is a creamy combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
This easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect as a side dish with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or pulled pork, and it can also be enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal option.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz.) bacon
- 1 lb Cavatappi pasta
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 1/2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1 cup thawed frozen peas
- 1 small jar (4 oz.) pimentos, drained
- 1 can (3.8 oz.) sliced black olives, drained
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
How To Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Prepare the Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with water and set it on high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt. Wait for it to reach a rolling boil.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, lay out the bacon strips. Turn them occasionally until they’re golden and crispy. Remove, let cool, and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Add Cavatappi pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 1 minute longer than the package suggests. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let it cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, thawed peas, drained pimentos, and drained black olives to the bowl with the dressing. Add half of the crumbled bacon and thinly sliced green onions. Toss until well combined.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon and extra dill.
How Long Does Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Last
Leftover Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad doesn’t freeze well, so avoid freezing it.
What To Eat With Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad goes well as a side with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or fish. It can also be simply eaten with a slice of crispy bread or french fries.
Can I Add Chicken To Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Yes, sure, you can use chicken in Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Simply use shredded chicken like rotisserie or any leftover cooked chicken. Use about 1 to 1.5 cups and add it when you’re assembling the salad with the other ingredients. This will give your pasta salad an extra boost of protein and make it even more filling.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 11g
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Pioneer Woman Spicy Mango Salad
- Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
- Pioneer Woman Cornbread Salad
- Pioneer Woman Roasted Broccoli Salad
Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
This Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is Really One of the Easiest and Best Pasta Salads Ever! This homemade Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is made with cavatappi pasta, crispy bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, grape tomatoes, peas, pimentos, black olives, and green onions.
It’s dressed with a homemade ranch dressing, which is a creamy combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
This easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is perfect as a side dish with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or pulled pork, and it can also be enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal option.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Ingredients
How To Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Prepare the Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with water and set it on high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt. Wait for it to reach a rolling boil.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, lay out the bacon strips. Turn them occasionally until they’re golden and crispy. Remove, let cool, and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Add Cavatappi pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 1 minute longer than the package suggests. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let it cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, thawed peas, drained pimentos, and drained black olives to the bowl with the dressing. Add half of the crumbled bacon and thinly sliced green onions. Toss until well combined.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon and extra dill.
Notes
- You can use chicken in Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Simply use shredded chicken like rotisserie or any leftover cooked chicken. Use about 1 to 1.5 cups and add it when you’re assembling the salad with the other ingredients.
