Last weekend I whipped up an easy-to-make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad using a Hidden Valley Ranch recipe with a few substitutions. It was delicious and I already plan on making it again next week. The family quickly devoured this one!
We’re not fans of olives so we omitted those and used green peas. Instead of using elbow macaroni we used pasta shells. I opted to use reduced-fat mayonnaise (to cut down calories), and we added salt and ground black pepper. Below is the original recipe from Hidden Valley Ranch.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
1 box (12 oz.) elbow macaroni or any pasta
1 packet Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning, Salad Dressing & Recipe Mix Packet
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups sliced yellow and red grape tomatoes
1 package (8 or 9 slices) precooked bacon
2 small cans sliced olives (or one large one)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Boil your pasta according to package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente so it’s not overcooked.
While your pasta is boiling, gather all your other ingredients.
In a medium bowl, mix up your Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning, Salad Dressing & Recipe Mix Packet with the mayo, sour cream, milk and garlic powder and set aside.
Place all other ingredients in a large bowl.
Once your pasta is finished, rinse under a cool stream of water until all the pasta is cool.
Place the pasta in with the other ingredients, add the dressing and toss until well-coated. Chill or serve right away.
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
Anyone who likes ranch flavors will love this recipe. Of course bacon makes everything taste better!
I often do salad for dinner during the hot summer months and this is one that looks so tasty and easy to make. One that I will definitely make soon.
Lots of good flavors in this salad. I do like olives so would use those.
I am making this. I usually have it out of a box but making it myself sounds so much better. Thank you for the recipe.
This sounds so good and one that I so have to make and soon. I love anything ranch so I know I will love this one thanks for sharing sounds perfect for summer.
That looks like a really good twist on potato salad. It’s one of my favorite sides.