Easy Ranch Pasta Salad with bacon, broccoli, and red pepper tossed in a creamy ranch dressing.
If you want a quick, flavorful pasta salad for summer gatherings, this recipe is for you. A longtime reader asked for a simpler version of the Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad that skips measuring multiple seasonings, so this streamlined variation uses a store-bought ranch seasoning packet for fast prep without sacrificing taste.
The recipe starts with 12 ounces of mini pasta shells cooked according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients so everything comes together quickly.
Ingredients:
Prep these components while the pasta cooks:
- Broccoli – cut into small, bite-sized florets.
- Green onions – thinly sliced.
- Red bell pepper – diced.
- Crispy cooked bacon – 6–8 slices, cooked and crumbled.
If you prefer, toss the broccoli into the pasta pot for the last few minutes of cooking to slightly soften it, otherwise keep it raw for crunch.
Ranch Pasta Salad Dressing
For a very simple dressing, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, one ranch dressing seasoning packet, and 2–3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it, then combine the pasta with the vegetables, bacon, and dressing in a large bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of milk just before serving to loosen the dressing.
This Easy Ranch Pasta Salad is a reliable choice for BBQs, potlucks, and family cookouts — quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing. If you’d rather make your own ranch seasoning from scratch, you can use your preferred homemade ranch mix instead of the packet.
Enjoy this simple, tasty pasta salad all summer long!
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Easy Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces mini shells cooked according to package directions and cooled
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 ranch dressing seasoning packet
- 3 tablespoons milk
- salt pepper to taste
- 1 cup broccoli floretts chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 green onions chopped
- 6-8 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine mayo, milk, and ranch seasoning packet.
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In a large bowl, toss together cooled pasta, broccoli, red bell pepper, green onions, bacon, and the mayo mixture.
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Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
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If needed, add one or two tablespoons of milk right before serving to loosen the dressing.