This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a fun mix of pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a picnic or a quick weeknight meal!
If you’re like me, you can’t resist a good bacon bite. The combo of flavors is simply irresistible. Toss it all together, and you’ve got a winner! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like rotini for its spiral shape which holds the dressing perfectly. You can swap it for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand. Just keep the cooking time in mind!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s so easy! If you’re cooking chicken yourself, grilling adds great flavor. You can also use canned chicken or leftover turkey if you’re in a pinch.
Bacon: Crispy bacon gives a nice crunch. You could use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or even omit it for a vegetarian option and add some chopped nuts for crunch instead!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add freshness and color. If you’re out of cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes diced small work too. Cucumber can also add a refreshing twist.
Ranch Dressing: This is the star of the salad! If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with different dressings like blue cheese for a tangy flavor.
How Can I Make the Pasta Salad Extra Creamy?
To achieve that extra creamy texture, the key is in the combination of ranch dressing and mayonnaise. The mayo adds richness without being overpowering. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix ranch dressing and mayo well before adding to the pasta. This will ensure it’s creamy and smooth.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the salad allows the ingredients to blend beautifully and makes it even tastier.
- If you’d like it creamier after chilling, add a bit more ranch or mayo just before serving.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or rotisserie works well)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to chill. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and help prevent mushiness.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients without breaking up the pasta.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk the ranch dressing and mayonnaise together until smooth. If you’re skipping the mayo, just use the ranch dressing on its own!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until it’s well-coated with the dressing. Take your time to ensure all the flavors combine beautifully.
5. Season and Garnish:
Add salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors. For a pop of color, garnish your salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier. Serve it cold or at room temperature!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! Perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a hearty side dish.
FAQ for Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just follow the cooking time on the package for the chosen pasta.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and it will keep the flavors fresh. If it seems a bit dry when you’re ready to serve, just stir in a little extra ranch dressing!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! Just give it a stir before serving.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! This pasta salad is very versatile. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like bell peppers for crunch, avocado for creaminess, or swap the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
