This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It’s packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. Yum!
You know what makes this salad a winner? It’s super easy to whip up! I love bringing it to picnics, and it’s always gone in minutes. Who can resist bacon, right? 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing well. You can swap it for any pasta you have, like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat pasta is a healthier option too!
Cooked Chicken: I like using leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It’s convenient! If you’re vegetarian, try swapping it with chickpeas or tofu for protein.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch. Feel free to replace it with spinach or mixed greens. Just ensure you chop them well to blend nicely.
Ranch Dressing: For a lighter choice, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk and seasonings instead of ranch dressing. Homemade ranch is also a nice touch!
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Extra Flavorable?
To make your pasta salad really pop with flavor, follow these steps:
- Rinse the pasta after cooking to cool it down and stop the cooking process, preventing mushy pasta.
- Mix the dressing separately before adding it to the pasta. This allows for even coating and enhances the overall taste.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors combine better, making each bite delicious.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. So, you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes before you can dig in! It’s an easy and tasty dish that’s perfect for lunch or a picnic.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This helps prevent it from getting mushy later. Once rinsed, set it aside.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle mix to combine everything evenly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and smooth. This tasty dressing will bring all your ingredients together!
4. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Using a spatula or spoon, gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are nicely coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Add Final Touches:
Next, sprinkle in the sliced green onions and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss the salad again to combine everything. For an extra kick of flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle paprika over the top!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, just grab a spoon and enjoy your chilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, bow tie, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions for whichever pasta you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Cooked Chicken?
If you’re looking for a substitute, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Alternatively, you can use grilled turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure they’re cooked and seasoned to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta salad seems a little dry when you take it out, add a splash of ranch dressing to freshen things up again before serving.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad actually tastes even better after sitting for a while! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just hold off on adding the lettuce until you’re ready to serve to keep it crisp!
