Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues, but it’s also great as a filling lunch or lighter dinner! Packed with fresh, herby, and smoky flavors, this dish is so delicious AND so easy to make!

It’s hard to beat a creamy make-ahead pasta salad in Spring or Summer!

Pasta Salads are so versatile that I can always find ways of making various versions of the same recipe, depending on what I have in my fridge at the time (which is great for those veggies you might not get to in time).

Check out my 30 Pasta Salad Recipes if you don’t believe me 😉

The combination of bacon, pasta, and cheese in the creamy ranch dressing is deliciously comforting, but it’s great because it’s also packed with veggies!

It’s a great option for making ahead lunches during the week, as it will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

We also love it for a lighter dinner during the summer or as a side dish with our summer BBQs!

If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, my Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe, and this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini & Corn!

Ingredients Needed:

• Pasta: I’ve used gemelli pasta here, but you can use any kind of pasta you like. See the Variations for notes on using other pasta.
• Bacon: thick-cut bacon works well in this recipe to add smokiness and delicious crispy crunch, but any kind of bacon will work great. Don’t throw out that fat!
• Vegetables: use cherry or grape tomatoes, or on the vine if you can get them, as well as cucumbers, broccoli florets, and carrots for this salad. Feel free to mix up the veggies according to your tastes!
• Cheese: sharp cheddar cheese adds a strong cheesy flavor, but you can use your favorite cheese. I like to cube it because shredded tends to clump together.
• Ranch Dressing: creamy ranch dressing will bring some great herby flavors to this salad. Use your favorite brand from the grocery store, or make it yourself.
• Mayonnaise: we’ll add mayo to the ranch dressing to make it extra creamy.
• Salt & Pepper: use kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors of the dressing.

How to Make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This recipe is quick and easy to make! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Cook the pasta: Follow package directions, and cook pasta until al dente. Cool pasta and set it aside.
2. Make sauce: Stir together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, bacon fat, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble pasta salad: Pour the sauce into the bowl of pasta. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, and carrots.
4. Add toppings: Then add the crispy bacon bits and cheese, and stir until just combined. Chill before serving.

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Chill before serving. You can serve this pasta salad straight away, but for best results, chill the salad for about 2-3 hours once it has been assembled. As it chills, it will set up a bit, and the flavors will meld together too.
• Bacon Fat. I’ve used reserved bacon fat to flavor the dressing, but you can leave it out if you forgot to save it or used packaged bacon bits. It does add incredible flavor though!
• Garnishes. You can add pretty much anything you normally would into a salad or pasta dish to bring more flavor or substance to this dish. Add chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra pops of flavor!
• Leftovers. This is a great recipe for using up meat leftovers, just add it to the dish for extra protein. Shredded chicken would be a great add-in, as would baked ham like that from my Easy Spiral Ham recipe!

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Variations

• Change the Pasta: you can use any shape of pasta you like here, but I generally recommend short pasta cuts for pasta salad. Gemelli pasta is flat so you can pack a lot into a cup. If you are using curly pasta like rotini or fusilli, I recommend increasing the amount of pasta to 5 cups. 
• Bacon: you can use any kind of bacon you like! With thin-cut, you’ll need to use a little more. Remember to reserve the fat after removing the bacon because it will help to flavor our dressing!
• Mayonnaise: you can use low-fat or fuller-fat mayo, or even natural plain greek yogurt if you prefer.
• Vegetables: use fresh veggies for the best flavor, and add in any vegetables that your family enjoys! Some great add-in options would be red onion, black olives, green peas, orange bell pepper, or red bell pepper.
• Dressing: To keep things simple I doctored some store-bought ranch dressing. If you prefer, you can use a homemade ranch dressing made with ranch dressing mix (just follow the directions on the package, adding mayo and sour cream) or add additional ranch seasoning (or onion powder and garlic powder) for more flavor if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is always such a crowd pleaser. Serve it as a side dish or main dish along with Corn on the Cob, Maple Bacon Baked Beans, my Homemade Coleslaw, or another of my Best BBQ Sides for Summer!

We always love having some bread on the dinner table too. Try my No Knead Artisan Bread, this Cheesy Garlic Bread, or my Brioche Bun Recipe for a delicious bread side.

More Pasta Recipes to Try

Dinner

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe

Pasta

BEST Hamburger Helper Recipe

Dinner

Easy Lasagna Recipe

Dinner

Pasta Fagioli (Pasta Fazool)

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Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for your summer barbecues, but it's also great as a filling lunch or lighter dinner! Packed with fresh, herby, and smoky bacon flavors, this dish is so moreish AND so easy to make!

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 401cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 4 cups short pasta (about 375 grams) gemelli pasta pictured*
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon (or 6 slices regular cut) chopped
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
• ¾ cup sliced cucumbers (70g)
• ¾ cup broccoli florets (50g)
• ¾ cup carrot matchsticks
• ½ cup cheddar cheese cubes (60g)
• ⅔ cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat (or canola oil, olive oil, or other)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Boil a large pot of lightly salted water, and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta.
• Cool the pasta and set it aside. To cool pasta quickly, pour it into a large colander and run it under cold water. Pour cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
• Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp and browned. Remove from pan, reserving bacon fat, and drain on some paper towels.
• Stir together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons bacon fat, salt, and pepper, and pour over the pasta. Add crisped bacon, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, and cheese and stir just to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2-3 hours. Serve cold.

Notes

Storage

• Store: This recipe can be prepped ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it seems dry, simply add a splash of water or a bit of ranch dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 401cal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1847IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Greek Pasta Salad recipe is flavorful and filling, made with the freshest ingredients and a homemade Greek dressing! It’s very quick and easy to make, perfect to serve as a side dish with a hearty main, or as a light dinner on hot summer days.

Greek Pasta Salad is one of my favorite pasta salad dishes, with plenty of fresh veggies, creamy Feta cheese, and an amazing homemade Greek salad dressing!

I LOVE a good easy pasta salad recipe, sometimes you just can’t beat that combination of tender pasta, with crunchy vegetables.

This is the best Greek pasta salad recipe as it’s so easy to make and has a couple of unique additions that we just love. It may not be an authentic Greek salad, but this is my blog and I make the rules. 😉

It comes together in just 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, or for prepping lunches for the week.

For more great pasta salad recipes, check out my Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe, this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, or this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini & Corn, or get even more inspiration from my list of 30+ Pasta Salad Recipes!

Ingredients Needed:

Greek Pasta Salad

• Pasta: I like to use Orzo pasta, but any kind of short pasta will work.
• Cucumber: freshly cubed cucumber will give an instantly fresh flavor and great texture to this salad.
• Cheese: get good quality Greek Feta cheese for the best flavor. Opt for PDO labelled Feta (you will see the red and yellow symbol that says Protected Designation of Origin). It is imported from Greece and of the highest quality!
• Olives: kalamata olives add a great salty and savory flavor, classic to Mediterranean cuisine.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: they add a rich and tangy flavor to the pasta salad. You can swap for fresh cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
• Fresh herbs: you can use fresh basil or fresh parsley for extra flavor if you wish.
• Pepper: freshly cracked black pepper will add a slight kick to the dish (be sure to add it to your tastes).

Dressing

• Oil: use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a classic Greek flavor.
• Lemon Juice: fresh lemon juice will work best, so get a fresh lemon and start squeezing!
• Seasoning: use kosher salt, dried oregano, and freshly pressed or minced garlic is all you need for this flavorful dressing.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

This recipe couldn’t be easier! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Make the dressing: Stir together the oil, lemon juice, salt, oregano, and garlic in a small bowl.
2. Combine ingredients. Mix together the cooked pasta, cucumber, Feta, olives, tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Add the dressing and toss well.

Greek Pasta Salad FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Pasta. For the quantities used, this recipe will work best with short cut pasta or small pasta shapes. You can use any kind of pasta for this dish, but if you use a larger size of pasta, the overall texture will be different. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best results!
• Feta. Whatever you do, choose good (real!) salty Feta cheese. No pre-crumbled Feta cheese here. Buy a good block and crumble or cube some to add in and you won’t regret it.
• Fresh herbs. I love basil in this, but fresh parsley is another great addition. It adds a lovely pop of flavor but isn’t 100% necessary.

Greek Pasta Salad Variations

• Mix up the veggies. You can use your favorite salad veggies here. Some chopped celery, green bell pepper, red onion, or sweetcorn would all add a slightly different flavor and texture to the salad.
• Sun-dried tomatoes. Maybe an unexpected ingredient, but I love the flavor in this dish more than fresh! Feel free to swap with fresh, halved cherry tomatoes if you prefer.
• Olive oil. olive oil adds more flavor than you might think, so use it if you can. If not, you can substitute with another oil, just keep in mind this will be a predominant flavor in the dressing.
• Lemon juice. as much as I feel lemon juice is a must here, you can swap it with red wine vinegar or white vinegar. (Like it tangy? You can even add a bit of both)!
• Dressing. You can swap the homemade dressing recipe for a bottle of store-bought Greek salad dressing in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this classic pasta salad as a main dish for a lighter meal, or serve it on the side to make a complete meal of another main course like these Grilled Chicken Thighs, or Slow Cooker Chicken Breast.

In our home, our dinner table is never without a side of bread. Some of our favorites are my Cheesy Garlic Bread, No Knead Artisan Bread, and my Homemade Breadsticks.

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Try

Dinner

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe

Pasta

BEST Hamburger Helper Recipe

Dinner

Easy Lasagna Recipe

Dinner

Pasta Fagioli (Pasta Fazool)

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Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek Pasta Salad recipe is flavorful and filling, made with the freshest ingredients and a homemade Greek dressing! It's very quick and easy to make, perfect to serve as a side dish with a hearty main, or as a light dinner on hot summer days.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Greek

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 262cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

Greek Pasta Salad

• 340 grams short pasta I like to use orzo about 12 oz
• 1 cup cubed cucumber
• ½ cup Feta cheese crumbled or cubed
• ⅓ cup kalamata olives sliced
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes roughly chopped
• fresh basil or parsley optional
• freshly cracked black pepper

Greek Salad Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic pressed or minced

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
• Meanwhile, prepare the remaining salad ingredients.
• Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl with the cucumber, Feta, olives, tomatoes, and some roughly chopped fresh basil.
• Stir together dressing ingredients of oil, lemon juice, salt, oregano, and garlic in a small bowl.
• Pour over pasta salad ingredients in a bowl and toss together. Taste and add freshly cracked black pepper or additional lemon or salt according to your tastes.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

Storage: Store this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to store the homemade dressing separately and add it before serving so that the salad doesn’t wilt or soften.

Nutrition

Calories: 262cal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Greek Pasta Salad appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

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It’s that time of year, friends. Either the sun is shining or the rain is pouring, the grass is starting to green up and little shoots are making their way out of the ground. It’s one of the best times of the year after a long, cold winter!

It’s also grilling, bonfire and picnic season which means it’s time to bust out all the cold salad recipes like this Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad! (See more Pasta Salad Recipes here or try this Tortellini Pasta Salad!)

I can tell already that this one is going to be on repeat for the next 4 months!

In this Bowtie Pasta Salad, I used my kids’ favorite dressing and veggies. Feel free to mix things up, and add in other things that better suit your tastes! The best thing about pasta salad is there really are no rules

Love ranch? You might also like this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta or this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!

For this recipe, I’m using Catelli’s medium bows, as they’re such a fun shape and the kids love them!

This recipe is so easy to throw together, and it’s one the kids can almost do by themselves. I just have to boil the pasta and chop the veggies, cheese and meat, and then they’re able to stir in the dressing (with a little help!) and toss everything together.

I like to cook the whole box of pasta because the leftovers last in the fridge for a few days and are perfect packed cold into the kids’ lunchboxes. Pasta is also an awesome, inexpensive way to stretch a little bit of meat and cheese, and it’s packed with some protein and fiber to keep the little ones going throughout the day.

To make this Bowtie Pasta Salad as budget-friendly as possible, be sure to check the grocery store to see what’s on sale or in season. Canned vegetables or frozen vegetables that have been thawed can be great, inexpensive ways to save on produce!

The local food bank is something that has been close to my heart for some time now, and I am thankful that Catelli is committed to raising awareness of Canada’s food crisis through their Feed the Hope campaign. Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians have used a food bank in their life?

We like to bring the kids grocery shopping for the food bank every once-in-a-while. We talk to them about how important it is to help people in the community who aren’t as lucky as we are, while we load our cart up with the staples: pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, cereal, granola bars, canned soup and other pantry items that are nutritious and filling!

Helping to put food on every table is something that should be a concern for all of us, and something that is easy enough to do. Even when all you can spare is a box of pasta, can of soup or box of cereal, then you can help. There’s no reason not to!

How to Make Bowtie Pasta Salad:

• You can make this Bowtie Pasta Salad gluten-free by choosing one of Catelli’s gluten-free pastas.
• You can make this pasta salad dairy-free by using a dairy-free dressing such as Italian, or a dairy-free Ranch dressing (or homemade!).
• You can make this pasta vegetarian by simply leaving out the ham or swapping it with a can of white beans for extra protein.

*This post is generously sponsored by Catelli pasta — thank you for supporting the brands that help me bring you these recipes!

If you’re looking for more barbecue-worthy salads, check out this Creamy Fruit Salad with Homemade Vanilla Pudding Dressing, this Hawaiian Fruit Salad, or this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad.

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Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad

This Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad is an easy summer side dish for your barbecue or cookout, or an easy dinner idea! The leftovers make a great cold lunch for school or work, and it keeps well in the fridge. Loaded with your favorite summer veggies and a creamy ranch dressing! 

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 372cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 375g Catelli Medium Bows (about 5 cups)
• 3/4 cup cubed ham (100g)
• 3/4 cup sliced cucumbers (70g)
• 3/4 cup broccoli florets (50g)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubes (60g)
• 1 tomato halved, squeezed dry, and chopped
• 2/3 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons oil (canola or other)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• In a large pot of boiled, salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain.
• To cool pasta quickly, pour into a large colander and run under cold water. Pour cooled pasta into a large bowl.
• Stir together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, oil, salt and pepper and pour over pasta. Add ham, cucumbers, broccoli, cheese, and tomato and stir just to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2-3 hours. Serve cold.

Notes

The oil is optional, and is only used to thin the dressing. You can also use water to thin as desired, or leave it on the thicker side.

Nutrition

Calories: 372cal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 648mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.