Tis the season for pasta salad recipes. Since so many people have straight lost their minds for bacon, this bacon ranch pasta salad recipe should be a hit at summer parties.
Plus, it’s colorful and looks pretty on the table. This post contains affiliate links.

Pasta salads are easy to make the day before an event. I think that adds to their popularity at parties.
When you bring your best pasta salad recipe to a party, you are a fabulous guest.
When you bring this bacon ranch pasta salad recipe to a party, let’s just say get ready to make a lot of new friends. 😉

Chances are you will need some party side dishes in your recipe lineup this summer.
So many gatherings are coming up like Father’s Day, graduation parties, 4th of July, pool parties, BBQ’s, and so much more.
You don’t really need a reason to celebrate great weather with family and friends!


Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 Box tri-color rotini noodles
- 1 Cup chopped bacon
- 1/2 Cup black olives
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 1 Cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Packet buttermilk ranch seasoning
- 1 Cup buttermilk
- 1/2 Cup mayo
- 1/2 Cup sour cream

Directions:
- Boil the noodles as directed on the box, transfer to a new bowl, and place in the fridge for about an hour to cool, mixing halfway through
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, and buttermilk ranch seasoning
- Mix the bacon, tomatoes (leave a few out) and cheddar cheese (leave about 1/4 cup out) into your ranch mix
- Toss the ranch mix with the chilled noodles and top off with olives, a 1/4 cup of cheese and a few tomatoes

Not a bacon fan? This recipe can still be delicious without it. Maybe add some chicken, chickpeas, or another protein. Or, just leave it out. There are plenty of flavors in there to keep your taste buds happy.

Looking for more delicious BBQ sides? Here’s a few to try:
- Hawaiian-Style Macaroni Salad
- Ruby Tuesday Copycat Broccoli Salad
- Easy Pea Salad
- Potato Salad Recipe with Eggs
Do you think you would like this bacon ranch pasta salad recipe?
natasha Lamoreux says
Growing up my mom made a great bacon ranch pasta salad but lacked a few items here. I would love to try this recipe, i like that you add black olives. This is perfect for a bbq and easy leftovers.
Sarah L says
I like that you used the tri color pasta. Makes it more interesting.
Maryann D. says
This is wonderful dish to make for a picnic or party. I know my family would enjoy it
Barbara Montag says
This is great for a potluck!
Thanks for the recipe.
Brenda says
Sounds yummy! I’m going to pin it so we can try it later.
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
First of all what a very pretty pasta salad! Not only does it look delicious but it’s beautiful to look at, too. I would for sure give it a try but I’m not the biggest fan of olives so I’d probably opt to leave those out.
Jennifer says
Thanks Kayla!!! Yeah, Mike is much more of an olive fan than I am. Thankfully, they are easy to push off, too!
Brett @ This Mama Loves says
Oh, you had me at bacon, lady!! YUM!
Thank you so much for joining us at Delicious Dishes Link Party! Hope to see you next week!
Julie Briggs says
I’ve been looking for a new pasta salad recipe – thank you for sharing at #HomeMattersParty this week
Alison Gibb says
Wow, my son would love this pasta salad. Anything with bacon and ranch dressing in it will be a hit at my house.
Lisa Coomer Queen says
Yummy! This looks really great. I think it would be a big hit with my family. Thank you for the recipe.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
This looks delicious. I am glad that you used the tri color pasta. I think my family would love this dish.
Emily says
This seriously sounds so good, and cool and refreshing!!