This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a winning dish! It’s creamy, loaded with tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and colorful veggies. Perfect for warm days or potlucks!
As someone who loves a good salad, I find this one hard to resist! It’s quick to prepare, and you can whip it up in no time. Plus, the ranch dressing adds a fantastic zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape is perfect for holding onto the dressing. You can substitute with penne or fusilli if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works too if needed!
Chicken: Oven-roasted or grilled chicken works best for flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
Bacon: For crunch, crispy bacon is key! If you’re avoiding pork, turkey bacon is a tasty substitute. You can also try crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is quick, but you can make your own with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix for a lighter version. Swap it with a vinaigrette for a tangy twist!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Has the Perfect Texture?
Cooking pasta just right is important for pasta salad. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta, while undercooking can result in a hard bite. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually 8-10 minutes.
- When the pasta is done, drain and immediately rinse with cold water. This stops cooking and cools it down, helping to maintain a chewy texture.
These steps will help keep your pasta salad fresh and enjoyable! Enjoy making this easy dish!
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Estimate:
This pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the pasta, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge for the best flavor. You’ll have a delicious dish ready in just about 45 minutes!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cubed cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh dill. This colorful mix will create a delicious salad!
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Make sure every bite gets that delicious ranch flavor!
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate. Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it to be just right!
5. Chill in the Fridge:
For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir, then garnish with extra fresh dill on top for that lovely finishing touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or just a tasty meal at home. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works great in this salad. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking for an alternative, try a vinaigrette for a lighter option or a homemade mixture of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning for that classic creaminess. You could also try a creamy Caesar dressing for a twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and you can add a bit more ranch dressing to freshen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion for added crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to blend well with the salad.
