This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a yummy mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta, all dressed in a tasty ranch sauce. It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic!
Honestly, who can say no to bacon? 🥓 I could eat this salad every day! It’s also super simple to whip up, making it a go-to for busy days when you want something special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love rotini for its twisty shape that holds the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even macaroni would work perfectly!
Cooked Chicken: For the chicken, rotisserie or leftover chicken takes the hassle out of cooking. You could use shredded turkey or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a fantastic crunch and smoky flavor. You can swap it with turkey bacon for a lighter option, or even omit it for a vegetarian-friendly salad.
Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing is key here, but if you’re not a ranch fan, try using Greek yogurt with herbs or a different creamy dressing, like blue cheese, to mix things up.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill really brightens the salad. If you’re out of dill, parsley or chives can also work well, giving a different yet delightful flavor.
How Do I Cook Bacon Perfectly Without Burning It?
Cooking bacon can be tricky, but with a little patience, you’ll get crispy pieces every time! Here’s a simple method:
- Start with a cold skillet. Lay the bacon slices flat without overlapping. This helps cook it evenly.
- Turn the heat to medium. This gradual heat will render the fat properly without burning.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally until both sides are golden and crispy.
Every stove is different, so keep an eye on your bacon! Using a splatter guard can help keep your kitchen clean while cooking.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (about 8 oz)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or cubed
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes of chill time for the best flavor mingling. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Then, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside for later use!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
Next, grab a skillet and cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are nice and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to paper towels to drain excess grease. After they cool, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken breast, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese. This mix is going to be so tasty!
4. Mix the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, sour cream, chopped dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This will be the creamy goodness that ties everything together!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that all the ingredients are well coated in that yummy dressing.
6. Chill and Serve:
Garnish the top with a sprinkle of fresh dill for a lovely touch. Now, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
7. Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or any gathering. Happy eating!
This creamy, savory salad with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and fresh herbs is sure to be a hit! Enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works great. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded before adding it to the salad for easy mixing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace them with more veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even add chickpeas for extra protein!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken slightly after being refrigerated.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad is great to prepare a few hours or even a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it chilled until serving for the best flavors!
