This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches!
You can never go wrong with chicken and bacon together, right? This dish is so simple to make; just cook the pasta, toss everything in, and enjoy. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini because its shape holds onto the dressing well. You could swap it for penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a must, but you can simplify it by using rotisserie chicken. It’s convenient and adds great flavor. For a lighter version, consider shredded turkey instead.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch! If you’re looking for a substitute, try turkey bacon for a lower-fat option or leave it out for a vegetarian dish—just up the savory elements.
Dressing: The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch dressing creates a creamy texture. If you prefer lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the pasta salad just right can sometimes be tricky. Here are some tips to make it creamy and bursting with flavor:
- Cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with the dressing.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps cool it down and prevents it from sticking together.
- Mix the dressing ingredients well before adding in the pasta and other ingredients to ensure every bite is tasty.
- Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is key—it allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this salad and 30 minutes to chill it. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a quick and easy option for lunch or a potluck!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin 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 it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy dressing for your pasta salad.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! To the bowl with the dressing, add in the cubed chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooled pasta. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta and all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your pasta salad a taste test! Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or any other seasoning to suit your flavor preferences.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover your pasta salad with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is important as it allows the flavors to blend together nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, you can garnish your pasta salad with fresh dill or parsley if you like a pop of color and flavor. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the creamy deliciousness!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can quickly cook chicken breasts in a skillet or grill them until fully cooked. Alternatively, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken. If it looks dry, add a splash of ranch dressing to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will taste even better as the flavors meld. Just remember to add any garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh!
