Easy Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad.

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Looking for the perfect cold pasta salad for your next BBQ, potluck, or weekday lunch? This Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad is creamy, flavorful, and loaded with crowd-pleasing ingredients like cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and crunchy vegetables.

Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the ultimate side dish (or main) you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad

Comes together in under 30 minutes
Packed with creamy, savory, and fresh flavors
Perfect as a side dish or a light main
Loved by kids and adults alike
Great for summer BBQs, picnics, or weekly meal prep

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 480 kcal (approx.)
Course: Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible pasta salad:

20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup ranch dressing (bottled or homemade)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

Optional add-ins:

½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
½ cup diced bell pepper
½ cup sliced black olives
Grilled chicken for extra protein

How to Make Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad

Follow these simple steps for a creamy, savory pasta salad that everyone will love:

1. Cook the tortellini

Bring salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.

3. Mix the dressing

Use your favorite ranch dressing, or make your own by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a pinch of salt.

4. Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the tortellini, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and any optional mix-ins.

5. Toss and chill

Pour the ranch dressing over everything and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6. Serve

Give it one more stir before serving. Garnish with parsley or dill.

Tips for the Best Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad

Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep tortellini al dente so it holds up in the salad
Chill before serving – This helps the flavors come together
Use fresh ingredients – Ripe tomatoes, crisp bacon, and herbs make a big difference
Reserve some dressing – Add a splash before serving if it seems dry
Make extra – This salad disappears fast!

Variations and Add-Ins

Switch things up with these easy tweaks:

Try Caesar or chipotle ranch dressing
Add grilled chicken, ham, or hard-boiled eggs for protein
Use spinach or mushroom tortellini for a twist
Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce
Add crunch with sunflower seeds or chopped pickles

How to Store It

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Stir well before serving leftovers and add a splash of dressing if needed
Avoid freezing – it changes the pasta texture and dressing consistency

FAQs: Creamy Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad

Here are some common questions about making this delicious and easy tortellini salad:

Q: How long does it take to make this salad?

A: This salad is super quick! It comes together in under 30 minutes, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time (for the tortellini).

Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?

A: This recipe makes 6 servings.

Q: What are the main ingredients in this salad?

A: The core ingredients include cheese tortellini, cooked and crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Fresh parsley or dill are optional garnishes.

Q: Can this salad be a main course?

A: Absolutely! While it’s perfect as a side dish, it’s also hearty enough to be enjoyed as a light main course.

Q: Why is this salad a great choice for gatherings?

A: It’s packed with creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that are loved by kids and adults alike, making it perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or weekly meal prep.

Q: Is this recipe budget-friendly?

A: Yes, this recipe uses common and affordable ingredients, making it a great budget-friendly option.

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