Ranch with Bacon, Peas and Pasta

Serve up this easy ranch with bacon, peas, and pasta dish. This is so easy to throw together and makes a great light lunch or side dish to serve up next to dinner. Perfectly cooked pasta, carrots, peas, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese all in a creamy ranch-flavored sauce.

Can’t forget it is topped with bacon on top.

This is a wonderful pasta salad you can make all year round. Great for potluck events and those summer cookouts you want a refreshing side dish.

I can’t wait to make this again!

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Why do I love this recipe?

• Quick and Easy Prep
• Simple Pantry and Fridge Ingredients
• Affordable Ingredients
• Make Ahead Friendly Side Dish
• Make For Potlucks, Parties, Etc.

Tips

• Cook the pasta as directed on the package.
• Dice up the vegetables and ingredients into bite-size pieces.
• Stir well to ensure all the ingredients mix well together.
• You can use fresh veggies if you do not want to use frozen peas.

Variations

• Swap bacon with diced ham.
• Leave out the meat for a meatless pasta salad.
• Leave out the veggies if you are not a fan of vegetables in your pasta salad.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead or even a blended variety of cheese.

Can I Use Store-Bought Ranch?

You need to use powdered ranch, which you can use if you buy that. This recipe is not meant for using liquid ranch dressing.

If you use liquid ranch you will find the texture and flavor will be a bit lacking.

What ingredients are in store-bought ranch dressing?

• Buttermilk Base (dry)
• Chives
• Parsley
• Dill
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Onion Flakes
• Pepper

Ingredients:

• Green onions
• Small shell pasta
• Carrot
• Mayonnaise
• Frozen peas thawed
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bacon

How to make Ranch with Bacon, Peas, and Pasta:

Step 1. Add the pasta to boiling water, and cook until done to your liking. Rinse under cold water, and drain well. 

Step 2. Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside. 

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, green onions, carrot, mayonnaise, peas, ranch seasoning, and most of the bacon and cheese. Stir to combine everything well. 

Step 4. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bacon and serve. 

THANKS FOR PINING!

How Long Will Ranch Pasta Salad Last?

This salad will last 3-4 days when stored in the fridge in an airtight container. You will need to give it a stir between its sitting as it can settle a bit.

If you find the pasta is a little dry just add a tiny splash of milk and stir to get it moist again.

Should You Rinse Pasta When Making Pasta Salad?

Yes, rinsing pasta in cold water stops the process of the pasta cooking. So it is needed so you don’t end up with mushy pasta, but also you don’t want the heat to affect the other ingredients as this is a cold pasta salad.

What toppings do you put on spaghetti?

For spaghetti, I like to use parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or even a little garlic salt.

What is the main flavor of ranch dressing?

Buttermilk is the main ingredient of powdered ranch dressing. Then you will find it has a blend of spices that is out of this world delicious. Tons of incredible flavors in each bite.

How many calories are in a salad with ranch?

This will depend on the other ingredients that are in the salad. You can look for the overall calories of the recipe, or put it into a site that tracks calories if you are interested.

What are 3 different types of pasta sauce?

The main pasta sauces are marinara, alfredo, and a spaghetti style sauce. You will find there are other sauces out there but these are the most popular.

What can you dip in ranch dressing?

The true question is what can’t you dip in ranch dressing? You will find there are endless possibilities. From crisp veggies to pizza, chips, pasta, sandwiches, etc.

• Try out whatever you want with a side of ranch dressing for dipping and let me know your favorite pairing.

How to store and reheat this Ranch with Bacon, Peas and Pasta?

So you will store any pasta salad in the fridge. It is not meant to be reheated as this is a cold salad. So do not toss in the microwave or the oven as it will ruin the salad.

The salad will store for 3-4 days in the fridge. Toss to coat and then serve it up. Add fresh bacon pieces for crunch factor.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Due to the ingredients you will find this recipe does not freeze and thaw well. Unfortunately pasta salads are recipes that are meant to be served fresh or within the first 2 days of being made for best quality.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make this salad a day in advance if you would like. I recommend leaving the bacon in a separate bag, that way the bacon keeps its crisp texture. Then stir it in right before serving.

More easy salad recipes?

California Spaghetti Salad – its delicious food!

Chicken Club Pasta Salad – I love the combination of flavors and textures.

Dad’s Creamy Cucumber Salad – so creamy and delicious, with the perfect crunch from the cucumbers