Fresh Summer Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe by Pioneer Woman

Bacon ranch pasta salad bursts with flavor, turning a simple side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Crispy bacon crumbles mingle with silky ranch dressing, creating a culinary symphony that dances across your palate.

Creamy and zesty, this dish transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary experience.

Packed with vibrant ingredients, each forkful delivers a tantalizing blend of textures and tastes.

Summer picnics and family gatherings come alive with this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

The harmonious combination of salty, crunchy bacon and smooth ranch dressing elevates this pasta salad from mundane to magnificent.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Use for Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

• Cavatappi Pasta: Choose a high-quality pasta with ridges that will hold the creamy dressing perfectly.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and sharp cheddar for robust flavor.

• Grape Tomatoes, Green Onions: Pick ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp green onions for bright, fresh notes.
• Peas, Pimentos, Black Olives: Opt for sweet frozen peas, vibrant pimentos, and briny black olives for complex taste layers.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Buttermilk: Use full-fat versions for richest, smoothest texture.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Dill: Select bright green, aromatic herbs with no wilting.
• Garlic: Choose a firm, fragrant clove for maximum punch.
• Lemon: Pick a juicy, ripe lemon for zingy brightness.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper and kosher salt for clean, pure seasoning.

Equipment for Prepping Pasta Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling water and cooking pasta perfectly.
• Skillet: Ideal for crisping bacon to golden, crunchy perfection.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and rinse with cold water.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for whisking dressing and combining salad ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping herbs, slicing green onions, and halving tomatoes.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Grater: Helpful for grating garlic clove finely.
• Plate: Used for cooling and crumbling bacon.

How to Combine Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

• Boil Water Brilliantly

Heat a large pot of water with a pinch of salt until it reaches a vigorous rolling boil. This creates the perfect foundation for your pasta adventure.

• Crisp Bacon Beautifully

Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until perfectly golden and crunchy. Once cooled, crumble into delightful little pieces that will add incredible texture to your dish.

• Create Creamy Ranch Magic

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the mixture becomes silky smooth and bursting with tangy flavor.

• Combine Salad Sensations

Fold in cooled pasta, grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese, peas, pimentos, black olives, most of the bacon bits, and green onions. Gently mix until everything is beautifully coated with the creamy ranch dressing.

• Elevate and Chill

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Sprinkle remaining bacon on top and add a fresh dill garnish. Refrigerate for an hour to let flavors dance and meld together, creating a refreshing and delectable pasta salad that’ll wow your taste buds.

Dressing Tips and Veggie Add-ins

Explore exciting twists on this classic ranch pasta salad that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Replace bacon with crispy turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter or meat-free version. Experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add unexpected flavor bursts.

Toss in diced cucumbers for extra crunch, or mix in roasted corn kernels for a sweet summer twist. Grilled chicken chunks transform this side dish into a hearty main course that’ll satisfy hungry crowds.

Prepare the salad up to two days in advance for maximum flavor development. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. Pro tip: Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and zesty taste.

Serve slightly chilled for maximum refreshment on hot days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of buttermilk to revive its creamy texture and bring back that perfect ranch zing.

Serving Pasta Salad at Gatherings

• Serve with Backyard Barbecue Flair: Pair this creamy pasta salad alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or smoky barbecue chicken for a classic summer spread.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this salad in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, beach days, or park lunch adventures where cool, refreshing dishes shine.
• Elevate Party Potlucks: Bring this colorful dish to community gatherings or family reunions where crowd-pleasing sides always get rave reviews and empty bowls.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance to let flavors deepen, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch options.

Storing Pasta Salad for Freshness

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Make the ranch dressing and chop ingredients up to 2 days before assembling the salad to save time and reduce morning stress.
• Refrigerate with Care: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Revive Leftovers Smartly: Stir in a splash of buttermilk or ranch dressing before serving to refresh the salad's creamy texture and restore its vibrant flavor.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Skip adding bacon and fresh herbs if you plan to freeze the salad, as these ingredients lose quality when frozen. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings just before eating.

Creamy Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty bacon ranch pasta salad celebrates classic American comfort cuisine with crisp bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and tender pasta. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) cavatappi pasta
• 1 pkg (12 oz / 340 g) bacon
• 1 pint (473 ml) grape tomatoes, halved
• 6 oz (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 cup (150 g) thawed frozen peas
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh dill
• 1 small jar (4 oz / 113 g) pimentos, drained
• 1 can (3.8 oz / 108 g) sliced black olives, drained
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil water in a large pot with salt, then cook cavatappi pasta until slightly past al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, allowing pasta to cool completely.
2. Bacon Transformation: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small, rustic pieces once cooled.
3. Dressing Fusion: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a large mixing bowl. Blend in minced parsley, dill, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper, creating a robust, tangy base.
4. Ingredient Integration: Combine cooled pasta with grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese, green peas, pimentos, and black olives. Fold in half the bacon crumbles and sliced green onions, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
5. Final Flourish: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with remaining bacon bits and fresh dill sprigs, presenting a vibrant and flavor-packed pasta salad that promises a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta one minute longer than package instructions for perfect al dente consistency, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
• Bacon Browning Technique: Cook bacon over medium heat, turning frequently to ensure even crispness without burning, which prevents bitter taste and maintains ideal crunchiness.
• Dressing Balance Mastery: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base that evenly coats pasta and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare salad up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator; add bacon garnish just before serving to maintain crisp texture and fresh taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg