Description

A creamy, savory, and tangy gluten-free pasta salad that holds up well in heat and improves in flavor over time. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz gluten-free rotini or penne
8 oz thick-cut bacon
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 stalks green onions, sliced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (or 2–3 tbsp homemade)
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gluten-free pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a large bowl.
While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook thick-cut bacon until just starting to crisp but still chewy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning, minced garlic, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more buttermilk or sour cream if needed.
Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta in the large mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, diced celery, and chopped bacon. Toss again to distribute ingredients evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Do not skip rinsing the pasta with cold water to prevent mushiness. Undercook the bacon slightly as it will crisp up further while cooling. The salad tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Do not freeze this recipe as the dairy separates and pasta becomes mushy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 600
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 15

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon ranch, gluten-free, summer side dish, labor day recipe, crowd-pleaser, make-ahead salad