This Simple Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make.
You can whip this up for lunch or a picnic, and I love how everyone enjoys it! I always make extra because it disappears fast—who can resist bacon and ranch, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisted pasta shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients nicely. If you don’t have rotini, try using fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Cooked Chicken: Diced chicken from a rotisserie is a time-saver. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even a can of shredded chicken if you’re in a pinch. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or black beans.
Bacon: I love crispy bacon for its crunch! If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey bacon is a great alternative. You could also skip bacon entirely or use smoked tempeh for a plant-based twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of color and sweetness. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or even diced bell peppers work well. For a different flavor, try adding diced cucumbers or olives.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is convenient, but homemade ranch dressing is super simple and fresh! For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk or regular mayo.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta just right is key for a salad that doesn’t become mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding rotini. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Cook until al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. It should be firm to the bite.
- After draining, rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
- Make sure your pasta is fully cooled before mixing with other ingredients to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Following these tips will ensure a delicious pasta salad every time!
How to Make Simple Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an extra 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need around 50 minutes from start to finish—but most of that is just waiting for the flavors to come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. Next, add in the ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. This is where the magic happens—mix it all up!
3. Season the Salad:
Give your pasta salad a good sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the ranch dressing. It should look deliciously inviting!
4. Chill and Serve:
Now for the hard part—let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. Before serving, give it one more gentle toss and if you like, garnish it with some fresh dill or parsley. Serve and enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini pasta works great, feel free to substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best texture.
How to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious options that cook similarly to regular pasta. Also, check that your ranch dressing is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten as an ingredient.
Can I Prepare This Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes! This pasta salad can be made up to a day ahead of time. Just prepare it as usual and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop even more. If it seems dry before serving, you can add a bit more ranch dressing to freshen it up!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so you can eat it straight from the fridge or give it a quick toss before serving!
