Looking for a pasta salad that steals the show?
This Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad is about to become your go-to dish.
With tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory bacon, crunchy veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, prepping lunch for the week, or searching for a dish that’s easy to throw together and guaranteed to satisfy, this salad checks every box.
Let’s get into how you can make it at home in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad
- It comes together in under 30 minutes
- A perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors
- Works great as a side dish or a light main
- A hit with kids and adults alike
- Ideal for potlucks, picnics, and meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tortellini salad, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that deliver big flavor:
- Cheese tortellini – Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best for this recipe.
- Cooked bacon – Use thick-cut bacon for a hearty texture and bold flavor.
- Ranch dressing – Use your favorite bottled ranch or make a homemade version.
- Grape tomatoes – Halved for a burst of freshness and color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds richness and complements the ranch perfectly.
- Red onion – Finely chopped for a mild bite and extra crunch.
- Fresh herbs – Parsley or dill work well for garnishing.
- Optional add-ins – Green peas, diced bell peppers, black olives, or grilled chicken for extra variety.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for a delicious, foolproof pasta salad:
- Cook the tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. - Prepare the bacon
While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. - Mix the dressing
If using bottled ranch, pour it into a mixing bowl. For homemade, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt to taste. - Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and any other mix-ins you like. - Toss and chill
Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. - Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Stir again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
- Don’t overcook the tortellini. Aim for al dente so it holds up well in the salad.
- Chill before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and improves texture.
- Use fresh ingredients. Crisp bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh herbs make a noticeable difference.
- Reserve some dressing. Add a little more right before serving if the salad seems dry.
- Double the batch. This recipe is popular—plan accordingly for groups.
Variations and Add-Ins to Try
Make this salad your own by mixing and matching ingredients:
- Use different dressings. Caesar, chipotle ranch, or avocado-lime dressing are delicious alternatives.
- Add protein. Grilled chicken, diced ham, or hard-boiled eggs can turn this into a hearty main dish.
- Swap tortellini flavors. Spinach and cheese or mushroom tortellini add interesting flavor twists.
- Make it spicy. Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
- Add crunch. Toss in sunflower seeds or chopped pickles for added texture.
How to Store and Make Ahead
This salad stores well, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Serving tip: Stir well and add a splash of dressing before serving leftovers.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing changes the texture of the tortellini and dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just give it a good stir before serving, and consider reserving some dressing to freshen it up.
What kind of tortellini should I use?
Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best. Frozen tortellini can be used, but be sure to cook it thoroughly and cool it well.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Add diced grilled chicken, ham, or even hard-boiled eggs to make it heartier.
Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad Recipe
This Bacon Ranch Tortellini Salad is a creamy, tangy, and savory pasta salad packed with cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight side dish.With endless customization options and crowd-pleasing flavor, this cold pasta salad is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
- 8 slices bacon cooked and 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 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill optional garnish
Optional:
- ½ cup frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup black olives
Instructions
Cook the tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Prepare the bacon
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
Mix the dressing
- If using bottled ranch, pour it into a mixing bowl. For homemade, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and salt to taste.
Combine ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini, bacon, tomatoes, cheese, onion, and any other mix-ins you like.
Toss and chill
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Stir again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.