This Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Suddenly Salad is a creamy pasta salad made with tender pasta shells, peas and carrots, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon. The pasta cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, then everything is chilled and tossed together for an easy homemade version of the boxed favorite.
I wanted to make a homemade version of Bacon Ranch Suddenly Salad that had the same creamy ranch flavor but was easy to put together from scratch. It’s become a simple pasta salad I can make ahead and keep chilled until it’s time to eat.
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Small Pasta Shells: Use a 16-ounce box of small shells. Their shape holds onto the creamy ranch dressing and bacon.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: No need to thaw them first. They add color, texture, and vegetables to the pasta salad.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Use your favorite regular mayonnaise.
- Ranch Seasoning: One packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning gives the pasta salad its bacon-ranch flavor. I’d specify dry ranch seasoning mix in the ingredient list so readers don’t mistake it for bottled dressing.
- Water: Three cups provide the liquid needed to cook the pasta in the Instant Pot.
- Bacon: Use 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon or substitute bacon bits for an easy shortcut.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How To Make Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Suddenly Salad
- Add the dry pasta shells and 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots on top. Do not stir.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
- Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
- When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
- Drain the pasta and vegetables into a colander and rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes, or until completely cooled. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and dry ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta and vegetables to the ranch mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for the top if desired.
- Refrigerate until chilled, then serve.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Tips I Found Helpful
- Don’t stir the vegetables in: Place the frozen peas and carrots on top of the pasta before pressure cooking.
- Quick release right away: Release the pressure as soon as the 4-minute cook time ends so the small pasta shells don’t overcook.
- Cool the pasta completely: Rinse with cold water until the pasta is cool before adding the mayonnaise mixture.
- Drain really well: Let as much water as possible drain from the pasta and vegetables so the ranch dressing stays creamy instead of becoming watery.
- Mix the dressing separately: Combine the mayo and ranch seasoning first so the ranch flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Chill before serving: Give the finished pasta salad some time in the refrigerator so it gets cold and the flavors come together.
- Save some bacon for the top: Mix most of the bacon into the salad, then sprinkle a little over the top just before serving. 🥓💙
FAQs About Bacon Ranch Suddenly Salad
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Another small pasta shape, such as elbows or mini bow ties, can work, but the Instant Pot cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Can I make Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes. This is a great make-ahead side dish. Prepare it several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving.
Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?
Yes. Shredded cheddar or small cubes of cheddar would be an easy addition if you want an extra cheesy version.
How long does Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can I freeze Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
I don’t recommend freezing it. Mayonnaise-based dressings can separate after freezing and thawing, which can change the creamy texture of the salad.
More Copycat Recipes I Love
Instant Pot Copy Cat Bacon and Ranch Suddenly Salad
Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Suddenly Salad is a creamy pasta salad made with tender pasta shells, peas and carrots, ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and crispy bacon. It’s an easy homemade copycat of the boxed favorite.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces small pasta shells
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cups water
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, or bacon bits
Instructions
- Add the dry pasta shells and 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
Add the frozen peas and carrots on top. Do not stir.
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.
Drain the pasta and vegetables into a colander and rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes, or until completely cooled. Drain well.
In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and dry ranch seasoning until smooth.
Add the cooled pasta and vegetables to the ranch mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for the top if desired.
Refrigerate until chilled, then serve.
Notes
Quick release the pressure as soon as the 4-minute cook time is complete to prevent the small pasta shells from overcooking. Rinse the pasta and vegetables under cold water until completely cooled, then drain well before adding the dressing. Chill before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hi,
What is “hidden valley ranch”?
What are the sizes of your boxes, bags and packets (in weight or volume)?
Thanks.
I have a container of Hidden Valley Ranch – how much hidden valley ranch is there in a package a tsp or tblsp or how much?
how many cups of pasta is this
Really good! I just made it on the stove top this time, but will use the IP next time I make it. I added fresh tomatoes from our garden, just because!
How can this be only 5 carbs? Is it really only 5 carbs?
I just made this. It was SO easy and so good! Thank you. Now I need to find the recipe for homemade ranch mix.