This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a yummy mix of pasta, chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor in every bite!
You can’t go wrong with bacon, right? I love serving this salad at picnics or family get-togethers. It’s so easy to whip up—you’ll want to make it all the time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I chose rotini for its fun shape and ability to hold onto the dressing. You can swap it for any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni if you prefer something different.
Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you have leftover chicken or turkey, that works too! For a vegetarian option, try replacing chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
Bacon: While I love crispy bacon in this salad, turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative can also be used for a lighter option. Just cook them until they’re crispy.
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds a nice crunch. You can substitute with spinach or mixed greens for a different texture, but I find romaine holds up best in this salad.
Ranch Dressing: I use classic ranch, but feel free to explore different flavors like buttermilk ranch or even a homemade version. For a lighter dressing, you can mix yogurt with a bit of water and ranch seasoning.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Fresh and Crunchy?
To keep your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad fresh, there are some useful tips to follow. Proper preparation and storage will ensure the salad is enjoyable for days!
- Ensure everything is cooled before mixing. This way, the lettuce won’t wilt and the flavors stay crisp.
- Keep the salad in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture from getting in and sogging up the ingredients.
- Add the crunch components, like bacon and crackers, just before serving to maintain their texture.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld but not too long, as the lettuce can start to wilt.
These tips will keep your pasta salad at its best, adding that satisfying crunch every time you serve it!
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (tri-color or regular)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (seasoned and cooked to golden brown)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, set aside about an hour to get everything ready and enjoy this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While your pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook them until crispy, turning them for even cooking. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel to drain excess fat, then crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, after removing the bacon, add diced or shredded chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In the large mixing bowl with the cooled pasta, add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Give it a gentle mix to combine all the ingredients well.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Add Crunch & Garnish:
If you’re using crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for that lovely crunch. Garnish your salad with a sprinkle of paprika and some extra green onions if you’d like.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together. Once chilled, serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad cold and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred or dice the chicken before adding it to the salad. It saves time and adds great flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch dressing, try substituting it with Caesar dressing or a homemade yogurt-based dressing. For a lighter option, mix plain Greek yogurt with herbs and a splash of lemon juice.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may thicken after chilling, so feel free to stir in a little extra dressing before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just assemble everything except the lettuce and crunchy toppings, and mix those in right before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
