Bacon and ranch in pasta salad are an incredible combination.

Bacon ranch pasta salad is indisputable proof these two flavors belong together.

Together, this combo offers the perfect indulgent coating forchilled cooked pastaand some sliced cherry tomatoes.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in the bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Learn how to make bacon ranch pasta salad.

Making this salad in advance can help the flavors meld and deepen.

In fact, we recommend it.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad cooking the bacon

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Consider stirring in the cherry tomatoes, dill, and chopped bacon on the day of serving.

Any longer, and the texture and quality may start to decline.

Stir and add a splash of milk to loosen, or re-season as needed before serving.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad draining the bacon on paper towels

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Pair with grilled meats, burgers,ribs,fried chicken,sandwiches, and more.

Line a baking sheet with several layers of aluminum foil.

Place bacon on baking sheet and transfer to oven until bacon is brown and crisp, 25 minutes.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad chopping the bacon after cooking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Discard bacon grease and aluminum foil.

Chop bacon; set aside.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad stirring together the dressing

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Finish pasta salad:

Add pasta, chopped bacon, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and dill.

Use a spatula to incorporate all ingredients.

Garnish with additional dill before serving.

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad adding the rest of the ingredients to the bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad stirring together the pasta salad

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox