Is there anything more irresistible than the combination of creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for the recipe, and I promise you, it’s SO easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 1 pound cooked chicken, diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing (high-quality store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 avocado, diced (add just before serving to prevent browning)
Let’s Talk Ingredients & Substitutions
Okay, my friend, let’s break down these ingredients and chat about any substitutions you might need to make. I’m all about making recipes work for YOU!
Pasta Power:
Rotini and penne are my go-to’s for this salad because their ridges grab onto that delicious ranch dressing. But honestly, any short pasta shape will work! Bowties (farfalle), shells (conchiglie), or even elbow macaroni would be fantastic. Just make sure you don’t overcook the pasta – aim for al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta salad!
Chicken Choices:
Cooked chicken is the star of this show! I often use leftover grilled chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to keep things super simple. Diced chicken breasts or thighs both work perfectly. If you’re short on time, canned chicken (drained well!) can also be used in a pinch. For an extra smoky flavor, try using smoked chicken if you can find it!
Bacon Bliss:
Crispy bacon is non-negotiable, in my opinion! I prefer cooking my bacon in the oven – it’s less messy and cooks evenly. But feel free to cook it in a skillet or even in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Make sure it’s nice and crispy so it adds that perfect crunch to the salad. For a vegetarian option, you could try using vegetarian bacon crumbles, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Ranch Realness:
The ranch dressing is what ties everything together! I highly recommend using a high-quality store-bought ranch dressing, or even better, making your own. Homemade ranch is surprisingly easy and tastes incredible! If you want a lighter version, you can use a light ranch dressing or even mix plain Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning. I love the tang it adds!
Cheese Please:
Cheddar cheese is my go-to for this salad, but you can definitely experiment! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese would be delicious. If you’re feeling fancy, try using a smoked Gouda for a unique flavor twist.
Veggie Variety:
The veggies are where you can really customize this salad to your liking! Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and bell peppers are all great options. I also love adding a little bit of red onion for a pop of flavor. If you’re adding avocado, be sure to add it right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Magic!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Set the pasta aside to drain completely.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the red onion and fresh parsley or chives.
- If using, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and slice the black olives.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and parsley or chives.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add any optional add-ins (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, avocado) and toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to chill the salad, making it more refreshing.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the BEST Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Alright, my friend, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some of my top tips for making this pasta salad absolutely irresistible:
Don’t Overcook the Pasta!
I cannot stress this enough! Overcooked pasta is the enemy of a good pasta salad. Aim for al dente – it should still have a little bit of bite to it. Rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking is also crucial. It stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Crispy Bacon is Key
Nobody wants soggy bacon in their pasta salad! Make sure your bacon is nice and crispy before crumbling it. I find that baking bacon in the oven is the easiest and least messy way to achieve perfectly crispy bacon every time. You can also cook it in a skillet, just make sure to drain off any excess grease.
Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust the Dressing
The amount of dressing you need will depend on the type of pasta you use and your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and then add more, a little at a time, until the salad is coated to your liking. You can also adjust the flavor of the dressing by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce.
Chill Out!
Chilling the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) is essential. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the pasta time to absorb the dressing. Plus, cold pasta salad is just so much more refreshing, especially on a hot day!
Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and freshness to this pasta salad. I love using chopped parsley or chives, but you could also try dill, basil, or even a little bit of oregano. Add the herbs right before serving for the best flavor.
Make it Ahead!
This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving and add any avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Get Creative with Add-Ins
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins! Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell peppers, and avocado are all great options. You could also try adding some grilled corn, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Salad
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Potlucks and Parties: This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to transport and always a hit.
- BBQs and Picnics: A perfect side dish for grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken.
- Lunch: Pack it in a container for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.
- Dinner: Serve it as a main course with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Snack: Okay, maybe not the *healthiest* snack, but sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up!
More Delicious Pasta Dishes You’ll Love
If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting pasta dishes! Here are a few more of my favorites that I think you’ll absolutely adore:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s sure to impress.
- Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup: A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
- Chicken Casserole Recipe: A classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always a hit.
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Another fantastic casserole option, packed with flavor.
- Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A Southern twist on a classic favorite!
- Chicken Bacon Pasta: A simple yet satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and the dressing can change when thawed.
Before serving leftovers, give the pasta salad a good toss and add a little extra ranch dressing if needed, as the pasta may have absorbed some of the dressing during storage.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my friend! The ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next potluck, BBQ, or family gathering. With its creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and customizable add-ins, this salad is a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Now go forth and make some pasta salad magic!
What are some good pasta shapes to use for this salad, and how should I cook the pasta?
Rotini and penne are recommended because their ridges hold the dressing well, but any short pasta shape like bowties or shells will work. Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite, and rinse it with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
What are some options for the chicken, and how can I add a smoky flavor?
You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, diced chicken breasts or thighs, or even canned chicken (drained). To add a smoky flavor, try using smoked chicken if you can find it.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It is not recommended to freeze.
What can I add to this recipe to change it up?
You can add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell peppers, avocado, grilled corn, sun-dried tomatoes, or even feta cheese.
BEST CHICKEN BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Set the pasta aside to drain completely.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the red onion and fresh parsley or chives.
- If using, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and slice the black olives.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, and parsley or chives.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add any optional add-ins (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, avocado) and toss gently to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and chill the salad.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
