This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of creamy ranch, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and colorful veggies. It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for this salad because its spirals hold onto the dressing nicely. You can also substitute with penne, farfalle, or any short pasta you like.
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is super easy and saves time. If you don’t have any, grilled chicken or even leftover baked chicken works great!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute, although it might not be as crispy.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is quick and easy. For a healthier twist, make your own with Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Well Mixed?
Mixing everything thoroughly is key for a delicious pasta salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking and cooling the pasta, make sure it’s dry and not sticky. This helps the dressing coat evenly.
- In a large bowl, add the pasta first to have a base. Then layer in the chicken, bacon, and veggies.
- When adding the ranch dressing, pour it gradually, tossing as you go. This evenly coats all ingredients.
- If you find it’s too dry, add a bit more dressing until it reaches your preferred creaminess.
Don’t shy away from making this salad a few hours before serving. The flavors will mix even better as it sits in the fridge!
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini or other short pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie or grilled chicken 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
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and you should let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. So, in total, set aside about 45 minutes to 1 hour to make and enjoy this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta. Next, toss in the diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion. This colorful mix creates a delicious combination of flavors and textures!
3. Adding the Dressing:
Pour in the ranch dressing and gently toss everything together until it’s well combined and every ingredient is coated in the creamy goodness. Take your time to ensure all the flavors intermingle nicely!
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want, you can also mix in the fresh chopped parsley or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chill time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give the pasta salad another good toss before serving. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works well for holding the dressing, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
To lighten it up, use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, and opt for low-fat or Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers, for extra crunch and nutrients!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, just add a splash of ranch before serving to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and you can substitute with extra veggies, chickpeas, or plant-based protein for a hearty vegetarian option while keeping the ranch dressing!