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This bacon ranch bow-tie pasta salad is the perfect summertime dish! This version is gluten and dairy free, and made with a homemade ranch.

A bowl of bacon ranch bow-tie pasta salad sitting on a counter.

Bacon and ranch is always a perfect combination! The two flavors are just made for each other and always taste good together, especially in cold dishes like sandwiches or pasta salads.

This bacon ranch pasta salad is the perfect spring and summer side to serve at BBQ’s, or just on a warm day. It’s gluten and dairy-free, and is loaded with veggies for extra fiber.

Why you’ll love this pasta salad

  • Perfect for any summer gathering! This bacon ranch pasta salad is the perfect side to bring to any potluck or BBQ this summer and sure to be a crowd pleaser.
  • It’s easy to throw together. This pasta salad tastes complex with the flavors, but is super simple to make!

The ingredients

  • Bow Tie Pasta. I love to use Jovial gluten-free pasta. You can also grain free pasta from jovial, or other pasta shapes!
  • Bacon.
  • Frozen Peas, Cucumbers, and Carrots. These vegetables add flavor, nutrients, and texture to the pasta salad!
  • Black Olives. I use canned black olives. 
  • Coconut Yogurt, Coconut Milk, and Lemon. These are the main ingredients plus seasonings to make the paleo ranch. I like to use the brand Culina for coconut yogurt.
  • Dried Parsley, Garlic Powder, Dried Garlic, Dried Chives, Dried Dill, Salt, and Pepper. These seasonings give the paleo ranch the “ranch” flavor.

All of the ingredients for bacon ranch bow-tie pasta salad before making the dish.

How to make gluten-free bacon ranch bow tie pasta salad

  • Step One. Make the paleo ranch. 

A glass jar full of homemade ranch dressing to use in bacon ranch bow-tie pasta salad.

  • Step Two. Cook the pasta.
  • Step Three. Combine all the ingredients and ranch and enjoy!

The ingredients for bacon ranch bow-tie pasta salad in a bowl before mixing it all together.

 

Tips & Tricks

  • Make it a main dish by adding chicken! You can easily add some grilled or shredded chicken to round this out as a full meal.
  • Use store-bought ranch for a shortcut. If you have access to a good ranch you can tolerate, go for it! I like primal kitchen for salad dressings, but you can go with whatever works for you.

STORAGE AND REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS

A complaint I always hear about gluten-free pasta salads is that the pasta doesn’t stay soft when chilled. My workaround for this is cutting the recipe in half and only preparing half of it immediately. For the other half of the ingredients, I keep them separate in the fridge and reheat the pasta to soften it before serving.

A mixing bowl filled with bacon ranch bow-tie pasta salad ready to be enjoyed.

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Bacon Ranch Bow Tie Pasta Salad {Gluten & Dairy Free}

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  • Author: Michelle
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Ingredients

Scale

For the paleo ranch

  • 1 cup coconut yogurt
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried garlic
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta salad

  • 8 oz gluten free bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced into half moons
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup black olives, sliced (I use canned)

Instructions

  1. To make the ranch, combine the ingredients in a large, widemouth jar and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
  2. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions and strain. Lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow to cool.
  3. Using a large bowl, toss the pasta, bacon, peas, carrots, and olives together. Add the ranch and toss until the ingredients are fully coated. Serve fresh! 

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 398
  • Fat: 22.7g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2.6g
  • Protein: 10.7g