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–+ servings

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Rose
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make pasta salad, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to become a family favorite. Combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s perfect for summer dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • large mixing bowl
  • knife for chopping vegetables and chicken
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • spoon or spatula for mixing

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz rotini pasta (plain or tri-colored)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 stalk English cucumber or celery, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1½ cups ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
  • 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Dice chicken and chop vegetables: tomatoes, cucumber or celery, and parsley. Shred cheese and crumble bacon, reserving a little for garnish.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber or celery, parsley, and spices (salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder). Stir gently.
  • Pour in ranch dressing and toss until well coated.
  • Fold in shredded cheese and most of the bacon, keeping some for garnish.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour. Before serving, sprinkle remaining bacon and extra parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Try using rotisserie chicken for convenience. Swap cheeses and bacon for alternatives like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, smoked turkey, or tempeh bacon. Use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning for a lighter version. Make ahead for quick meals, keeping bacon and dressing separate until serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 18gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bacon ranch pasta, chicken pasta salad, potluck salad, summer salad
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