Okay, listen up! If there’s one thing I absolutely adore when it comes to potlucks, BBQs, or just a lazy Sunday lunch, it’s a good, old-fashioned macaroni salad. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish, right? But I’m not talking about those bland, watery versions you sometimes find. Oh no. I’m talking about something creamy, packed with flavor, and just… *chef’s kiss*. That’s where this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad comes in. It’s become my go-to, my secret weapon for making everyone at the table happy.

I first whipped this up a few years ago for a family reunion. I wanted something easy but still felt special, and combining two of my all-time favorite things – crispy bacon and tangy ranch – just seemed like a no-brainer. The reaction was incredible! People kept asking for the recipe, and honestly, it’s so simple, it felt almost like cheating. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory, and it disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” Trust me, this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is about to become a new favorite in your house too.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Seriously, this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is just the best, and here’s why I think you’re gonna fall head over heels for it:

It’s ridiculously easy! We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending forever in the kitchen.
Hello, flavor combo! I mean, bacon? Ranch? In a creamy pasta salad? It’s a match made in food heaven. It hits all the right notes – salty, creamy, tangy, and just plain satisfying.
It goes with EVERYTHING. Seriously, this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is the ultimate sidekick. Grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork, even just a simple sandwich. It elevates any meal!
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed. I’ve never made this salad and had leftovers. Ever. People just can’t get enough of that bacon-y, ranch-y goodness!

Essential Ingredients for Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magical Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad happen. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty standard stuff you probably already have or can easily grab at the store. Nothing fancy here, just good, honest ingredients coming together for something amazing.

You’ll start with a pound of elbow macaroni – gotta have those classic little tubes to hold all that creamy dressing! Then, of course, there’s the star: about twelve ounces of bacon. Cook it up nice and crispy, then crumble it into glorious bits. For the creamy base, you’ll need a cup of good quality mayonnaise, half a cup of sour cream for that extra tang, and about half a cup of milk to get the right consistency. The flavor punch comes from one packet (that’s usually a 1-ounce packet) of ranch dressing mix. And for a little freshness and crunch, you’ll want a quarter cup of finely chopped red onion and a quarter cup of chopped celery. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste – always season as you go!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

So, while I think the list above is pretty perfect for this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad, sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got, right? Or maybe you just want to experiment!

For the macaroni, any small pasta shape will work – shells, rotini, or even ditalini. Just pick something that’ll trap the dressing. When it comes to the bacon, use whatever kind you love! Thick cut, thin cut, smoked… it’s all good. If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can use green onions or even finely minced sweet onion for a milder flavor. And if celery isn’t your jam, feel free to leave it out or swap in something else crunchy like chopped bell pepper. You can also play with the dressing – use less milk for a thicker salad or a touch more for a looser one. It’s your kitchen, have fun with it!

How to Make Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad: Step-by-Step

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this glorious Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad! Don’t blink, because it comes together really fast. It’s all about getting your components ready and then mixing them all up into creamy, bacon-y perfection. Here’s how I do it:

Preparing the Macaroni for Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

First things first, get your macaroni cooking. Follow the package directions for one pound of elbow macaroni, but make sure you cook it just to al dente. You don’t want mushy pasta in your salad! Once it’s cooked, drain it really well. This is important! Then, give it a good rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool the pasta down quickly, which is exactly what you want for a cold salad. Let it drain completely while you get the other stuff ready.

Crisping the Bacon for Your Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

While the macaroni is doing its thing, it’s bacon time! Cook your twelve ounces of bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I like to cook mine in a skillet, flipping it occasionally, until it’s golden brown and shatteringly crisp. You can also bake it on a wire rack over a baking sheet for less mess. Once it’s cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the excess grease. Let it cool completely before crumbling it into small bits. This is key for getting those little pops of bacon flavor in every bite of your Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad!

Mixing the Creamy Dressing for Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

Now for the magic sauce! In a big bowl – make sure it’s big enough to hold everything eventually – whisk together your cup of mayonnaise, half a cup of sour cream, and half a cup of milk. Get it nice and smooth. Then, whisk in that packet of ranch dressing mix. Give it a good whip until everything is fully combined and you have a smooth, creamy, and wonderfully tangy dressing. This is the heart of your Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad, so make sure it’s well mixed!

Combining Ingredients for the Ultimate Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

This is where it all comes together! Add your cooled, drained macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Toss it gently to coat every single piece of pasta. Now, add your glorious crumbled bacon bits, the chopped red onion, and the chopped celery. Stir everything together until it’s evenly distributed. Give it a taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. This Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad needs at least an hour to chill and let all those flavors meld together. Trust me, the longer it chills, the better it gets!

Tips for Perfect Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad Every Time

Okay, so you’ve got the steps down, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years to make this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad truly sing. First off, chilling time is NON-NEGOTIABLE! Seriously, that hour minimum in the fridge is crucial for the flavors to really get to know each other. If you can, make it a couple of hours ahead, or even the night before – it just gets better! Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving. Sometimes pasta salads need a little extra salt or pepper after they’ve chilled. If your salad seems a tiny bit dry after chilling (pasta can soak up dressing!), just stir in a tablespoon or two more milk or mayo until it’s back to that creamy perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad

I get asked a few things pretty often about this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad, so I thought I’d answer the most common ones right here!

Q: Can I make this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad ahead of time? Absolutely, yes! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a few hours or even the day before lets all those amazing flavors blend together beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Q: What kind of ranch dressing mix should I use? Use your favorite! Any standard dry ranch dressing mix packet will work perfectly for this creamy pasta salad. I usually just grab whatever is on sale.

Q: Can I add other things to this macaroni salad? Totally! This recipe is super forgiving. Chopped cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or even some crumbled hard-boiled eggs would be delicious additions to switch things up in your macaroni and cheese salad (oops, I mean macaroni salad!).

Q: How long does Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it should be good for about 3-4 days. Just keep it chilled!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so while I’m definitely not a nutritionist, I know some folks like to have an idea of what they’re eating! Keep in mind that this is just an estimate for this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad, and it can totally change depending on the brands you use, the exact amount of bacon, and how much dressing you end up adding. But, generally speaking, a serving (which is about a cup) might be around 550 calories, with roughly 40g of fat, 35g of carbs, and 15g of protein. Just think of it as a little peek, not a strict rulebook!

Share Your Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad Experience

Alright, my friends, now it’s YOUR turn! I truly hope you give this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad a try. It’s become such a beloved recipe in my house, and I just know you’re going to love it too. Please, please come back and let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tell me if you made any fun variations. I absolutely LOVE hearing about your kitchen adventures and seeing your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad is a Creamy Dream

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful macaroni salad with bacon and ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
12 ounces bacon
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing mix.
Add cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, red onion, and celery to the bowl.
Stir to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

You can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
Use your favorite type of bacon.
Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: macaroni salad, bacon, ranch, pasta salad, side dish