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Creamy BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon

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A creamy, smoky, and crunchy pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ ranch dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of elbow macaroni or shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly for about 10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, fry 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup ranch dressing, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley or chives. Gently toss to mix evenly without breaking the pasta.
  5. Pour the creamy BBQ ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) to let flavors meld and the texture settle.
  7. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles and fresh herbs.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Cook bacon low and slow for best crispiness. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors and improve texture. Reserve some bacon crumbles to sprinkle on top before serving to maintain crunch. For lighter versions, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon or reduce bacon quantity. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this gluten-free. Add fresh corn or avocado for seasonal variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, BBQ ranch, bacon, summer BBQ, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe, potluck dish

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-bbq-ranch-pasta-salad-with-bacon-easy-recipe-for-summer-bbqs/