Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch dressing? Look no further! This Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress family and friends at every gathering. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this versatile dish brings together classic American comfort food in one delightful, easy-to-make salad that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and dice the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. If using raw chicken, cook thoroughly before dicing.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove from pan, let cool, and then crumble into small pieces.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
- Pour ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- For the best flavor, use freshly cooked and cooled chicken instead of pre-packaged. Grilled or roasted chicken works wonderfully.
- Cook bacon until it's perfectly crisp to add a delightful crunch to your salad. Let it cool completely before crumbling to maintain its texture.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and enhance the overall taste.
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of traditional ranch dressing.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumbers for more nutrition and crunch.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
