Looking for a dish that combines all your favorite flavors into one delicious bowl? Say hello to the Popcorn Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! This mouthwatering recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, offering a delightful mix of crispy popcorn chicken, savory bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this flavor-packed adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups popcorn chicken, cooked
- 8 oz pasta, cooked
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the popcorn chicken is fully cooked according to package instructions and set aside. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked popcorn chicken, cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Next, add the sliced green onions to the bowl. These will add a fresh crunch and flavor to your pasta salad.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the mixture. Start with half a cup and adjust according to your taste preference. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the bacon and ranch dressing will already add some saltiness.
- Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the ranch dressing. Be careful not to break up the popcorn chicken too much.
- Once combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add a bit more ranch dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, give the pasta salad a quick stir. You can garnish with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Serve the Popcorn Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious and hearty dish!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal pasta texture, cook it al dente according to package instructions. Rinsing it under cold water immediately after draining will prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Bacon Bliss: For extra crispy bacon, consider using thick-cut slices. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat, and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess grease for that perfect crunch.
- Flavor Balance: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of ranch dressing based on your taste preferences. Start with half a cup and add more if you like it creamier!
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish your salad with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese just before serving. It not only looks great but adds an extra burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
