This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It is filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and colorful veggies all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing.
It’s like a picnic on a plate! I love making it ahead of time for lunch or a potluck. Just toss everything together, chill, and enjoy. Yummy and super simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its spiral shape holds the dressing and ingredients well. If you prefer, you can substitute penne or farfalle for a fun twist!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this dish super easy. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a hurry!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. For a lighter option, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas work nicely!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap them for diced bell peppers or cucumber for a different flavor profile.
Ranch Dressing: I prefer homemade ranch for taste, but store-bought works well too. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs instead!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Has Great Flavor?
The key to a delicious pasta salad is all in the mixing. After cooking your pasta, be sure to rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Mix your dressing thoroughly before adding it to the salad for even coverage.
- Let it chill in the fridge—this allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Taste before serving! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and chopping ingredients, and then around 5-10 minutes to mix everything together. Don’t forget to chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to ensure it doesn’t stick together.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cubed cooked chicken, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients; it’s okay if they are a bit messy!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and chopped fresh dill until the mixture is smooth. This will give your pasta salad a creamy and flavorful dressing.
4. Combining Everything:
Next, pour the ranch dressing mixture over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Seasoning the Salad:
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to mix lightly again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
6. Finishing Touches:
Garnish the top of your pasta salad with some additional fresh dill for a pop of flavor and color.
7. Chilling Before Serving:
Cover the pasta salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld and makes it nice and refreshing.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature! It’s a great dish for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner. Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor. Just shred or cube it before mixing it into your pasta salad.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace them with protein-rich alternatives like chickpeas or add more veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers for a hearty flavor.
What Should I Serve This Pasta Salad With?
This salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
