Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Cheese

This creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon is an easy side dish that works for everything from weeknight dinners to game day parties and summer cookouts. It’s packed with lots of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and red onion, then tossed with a simple homemade dressing.

And with just 15 minutes of prep, it’s an easy recipe to make when you need something that will feed a crowd without much fuss.

The homemade Dijon dressing is quick to mix up, but I’ve subbed out ranch or Caesar dressing in a pinch. Either way, give the bacon pasta salad at least an hour in the refrigerator before serving so it has time to chill and the flavors can come together.

It’s also easy enough to make for a regular family dinner but works just as well for summer BBQs, potlucks, and tailgate parties. Most of the prep can be done ahead of time, which is always helpful when you’re cooking for a get-together. If you make it early, just hold back the bacon and stir it in shortly before serving so it stays crisp.

There’s a lot to like about this easy pasta salad recipe, but the bacon is definitely the star around here. I use eight slices, so you get plenty in every serving. And when you add cheddar cheese and the homemade creamy dressing, it’s the kind of side dish that tends to disappear pretty quickly – especially when the guys are around.

For more easy sides to round out the meal, try my Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Cucumber Dill Salad or Favorite Pasta Salad recipes.

Bacon Pasta Salad Ingredients Needed

For the Pasta Salad

• Rotini pasta – All those little twists help catch the dressing.
• Bacon – I like using applewood smoked bacon but you can use your favorite kind.
• Fresh veggies – We’re keeping it simple with cherry tomatoes, red onion and celery.
• Cheddar cheese – Buy the block of cheese and shred it yourself for the best flavor.

For the Homemade Dijon Dressing

• Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy dressing.
• Sour cream – Adds a tangy flavor and keeps the dressing from tasting too heavy.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds a little tang and brightens up the flavors.
• Dijon mustard – Rounds out the dressing with a little sharpness.
• Seasonings – I used garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Cheese

Cook the pasta, then rinse and drain. Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain the grease and chop.

Mix all the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl.

Transfer the drained pasta to the bowl of dressing.

Add the remaining salad ingredients to the pasta bowl and toss to combine.

Cover the bowl and place in the fridge.

Tips for Making Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad

• Pay attention to the pasta cooking time on the package – you want to cook it just to al dente.
• It’s important to drain the pasta well to avoid adding excess water and thinning the dressing.
• While you can eat this salad right away, it tastes better after it’s had a chance to chill.

Can I make this bacon pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be made several hours or even a day ahead, but I would advise waiting to add the bacon until right before serving, to keep the texture from getting funky.

What to Serve with Chilled Pasta Salad

This pasta salad works with just about anything you’d serve at a cookout. We’ve enjoyed it with everything from burgers and loose meat sliders to grilled chicken, pulled pork, hot dogs and brats. And it’s an easy side for sandwiches like baked Italian subs and picnic-style meals.

How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad with Bacon

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the bacon will become softer the longer it sits.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

You can! If you’re short on time, replace the homemade dressing with your favorite brand of ranch or Caesar.

How do you keep bacon crispy in pasta salad?

I recommend adding the bacon shortly before serving when making the salad ahead.

How do you keep creamy pasta salad from drying out?

The pasta soaks up the dressing while in the fridge, but all you need to do is add a spoonful of mayo, sour cream or ranch to refresh the leftovers.

If you need an easy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, this creamy bacon pasta salad recipe is a good one to keep on repeat. It’s simple to make, easy to prep ahead, and loaded with plenty of bacon.