Print

Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: Perfect for Meal Prep

bacon ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

This Easy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate make-ahead meal prep lunch. It’s packed with smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, tender pasta, and fresh veggies, and it actually tastes better on day two and three.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)
  • 1 lb (450g) thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup (240ml) ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (50g) green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) frozen peas, thawed and patted dry

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon until very crispy. Oven method: Line a baking sheet with foil, lay bacon in a single layer, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small bits.
  2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (cook 1 minute less for meal prep). Drain and rinse immediately with cold water until completely cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, slice green onions, and ensure peas are thawed and patted dry. Shred cheddar cheese if needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, shredded cheddar, halved tomatoes, sliced green onions, and thawed peas. Pour dressing over top and gently fold until evenly coated.
  6. Reserve about 3/4 of the bacon for topping individual servings. Mix the remaining 1/4 into the salad.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. For best results, store bacon separately and add to each serving just before eating.

Notes

For the crispiest bacon, cook it extra crispy and store separately from the salad. Add bacon to individual servings just before eating. The salad tastes better after resting for at least 2 hours. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon ranch pasta salad, meal prep pasta salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, bacon ranch salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-perfect-for-meal-prep/