This chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a creamy and crunchy dish that everyone will love! It mixes tender pasta with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing.
You won’t believe how quick it is to make this salad! Just cook the pasta, toss everything together, and enjoy. Perfect for a lunch or a dinner side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This curly pasta holds onto dressings and mixes well with other ingredients. If you’re out of rotini, feel free to use penne or fusilli instead!
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken saves time and tastes great. Otherwise, leftover chicken or even grilled chicken breast works. Just make sure it’s cooked first!
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a wonderful crunch and flavor. Try turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Cherry Tomatoes: These pop with sweetness! If they’re not in season, try using grape tomatoes or chopped bell peppers instead.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought works fine, but homemade ranch can be yummy! You can also try yogurt-based dressings for a lighter option.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess. If you like stronger flavors, go for aged cheddar, or swap it for mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but there’s a trick to getting it just right! Here’s how:
- Use plenty of salted water for cooking – it should taste like the ocean.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Start checking a minute or two early.
- For ‘al dente’, the pasta should have a slight bite but not be hard in the center.
- Immediately drain and rinse under cold water if using in a salad. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting mushy.
Taking these steps ensures your pasta contributes to a great texture and flavor in the salad! Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Simple Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Dressing and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes if you choose to let it chill! This gives all the flavors a chance to blend beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, this means boiling it in salted water until it’s al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This will help you create a refreshing salad!
2. Mixing the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently stir these ingredients together to mix them well — you want everything to be evenly distributed so each bite is delicious!
3. Adding the Flavor:
Next, pour in the ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with ranch and the cheese is evenly sprinkled throughout. This is the step where it starts to smell really good!
4. Seasoning It Up:
Now it’s time to season your salad. Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to adjust the amount of ranch dressing based on how creamy you want your salad to be. Mixing it all together ensures that each part is flavorful!
5. Serving or Chilling:
You can serve the pasta salad immediately if you’re ready to go. However, if you prefer a little more flavor mingling, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dressing and spices to soak into the pasta and chicken.
6. Garnishing:
Just before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for extra flavor and a pretty touch. It’s optional, but it does make everything look nice! Enjoy your tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Types for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice for this salad, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Yes! If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even swap it for turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter option. Just make sure whatever you use is cooked and shredded or diced for easy mixing.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta salad may absorb some dressing as it sits, so feel free to add a bit more ranch dressing when you reheat or prepare to serve leftovers!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it according to the recipe, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving!
