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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, savory, and crowd-pleasing dish combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a rich ranch dressing. Perfect for family picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this versatile salad offers a fresh and flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Dressing

  • 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Cheese

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped small

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process, ensuring the pasta stays firm and doesn’t become mushy.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced, to provide a tender and juicy protein base for the salad.
  3. Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Fry the bacon strips until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble finely to add a smoky crunch.
  4. Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice the celery, thinly slice the green onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes to add fresh texture and vibrant color.
  5. Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped vegetables, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Optionally add lemon juice. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and optionally garnish with extra bacon bits, green onions, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

  • Use al dente pasta to prevent mushiness and maintain firm texture after chilling.
  • Prepare chicken and bacon ahead to reduce assembly time.
  • Start with less ranch dressing and add more gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes to harmonize flavors.
  • Add dressing just before serving to keep veggies crisp unless making ahead.
  • Fresh vegetables added to the salad provide a delightful contrast to creamy dressing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended as dressing and veggies can become watery and lose texture.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; reheating is not advised.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic salad, crowd-pleaser, easy pasta salad, ranch dressing pasta salad

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad/