Can I make creamy bacon ranch pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad ahead of time! If you are prepping it the day before, simply cook the pasta, chop the mix-ins (bacon, cheese, peas), and whisk the dressing, but keep them all in separate airtight containers in the fridge overnight. About an hour before serving, toss everything together so it stays fresh and perfectly creamy.

What goes well with bacon ranch pasta salad?

This creamy pasta salad is the ultimate summer side dish and pairs perfectly with classic BBQ and grilling recipes. It is delicious served alongside juicy hamburgers, grilled steak kabobs, smoked pork ribs, or even a simple grilled chicken breast.

Do I use fresh or dried herbs for pasta salad dressing?

For the easiest preparation, you can use dried parsley and dill in your homemade ranch dressing mix. However, if you have fresh herbs on hand, you can easily substitute them! Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so you will want to use slightly more fresh herbs to achieve the same bold ranch flavor.

What is the best pasta shape for cold pasta salad?

Small shell pasta is one of the best choices for a creamy cold pasta salad. The open, cup-like shape of the shells perfectly catches and holds onto the thick sour cream and mayo-based ranch dressing, ensuring you get a burst of creamy flavor in every single bite!

15-Minute Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe!)

The Best Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

This easy, make-ahead pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet peas, all tossed in a rich, tangy homemade ranch dressing!

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 box (16 oz) small shell pasta
12 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 block (16 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
1 bag (10 oz) frozen peas, thawed

For the Ranch Dressing:

1 container (16 oz) full-fat sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dip mix
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Cool: Drain the pasta and immediately rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Mix Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dip mix, dried parsley, and dried dill.
Combine: Pour the creamy dressing over the cooled pasta. Stir until all the shells are well coated.
Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, cubed cheddar cheese, and thawed peas. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

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