Go Back

Ranch Pasta Salad for Picnics and Make-Ahead Meals

A creamy Ranch Pasta Salad made with tri-color rotini, turkey bacon, tomato, black olives, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth ranch mayonnaise dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 package tri-color rotini pasta 12 ounces, uncooked
  • 10 slices turkey bacon
  • 1 large tomato chopped
  • 1 can sliced black olives 4.25 ounces, drained
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Ranch Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup milk or as needed

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Plastic wrap or lid
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until tender but still firm, about 8 minutes. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crisp. Drain it well, then chop it into small pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, garlic pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Stir in the milk gradually until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooked rotini, chopped turkey bacon, tomato, black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.
  6. Toss everything together until the pasta and toppings are evenly coated with the ranch dressing.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving.
  8. Before serving, stir the pasta salad again. Add a little more milk if the dressing has thickened too much.

Notes

Cool the pasta before mixing with the dressing.
Stir before serving because the dressing thickens as it chills.
Add milk gradually so the dressing does not become too thin.
Keep chilled until ready to serve.