Get ready to dive into flavor town with our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! Imagine juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in creamy ranch dressing. It's like a party for your taste buds!
8servings
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 8 minutesminutes
Chill Time 2 hourshours
Total Time 2 hourshours18 minutesminutes
Ingredients
1poundchicken breastcooked, chopped and cooled
10ouncesrotini pasta
½poundbaconcooked and chopped
8ouncesshredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾cupcherry tomatoeshalved
½of a small red oniondiced
6ouncesranch dressing
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. (Do not overcook) Strain in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool. Drain thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, well drained rotini pasta, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes and onions. Stir gently to combine ingredients.
Pour the ranch dressing over the salad, folding in the salad dressing with a rubbed spatula.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.
Variations
Veggie loaded: Add a burst of color and nutrition by incorporating diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or shredded carrots. These veggies will not only enhance the colors but also add a refreshing crunch.
Whole grain: Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat, chickpea pasta or a different type of pasta like penne, bowtie, or rotini. This can add a nuttier flavor and increase the fiber content, too.
Substitutions
If you prefer a spicier version, pepper jack cheese will give you some spice action. Cheddar cheese works, too.
Play around with different types of bacon. Turkey bacon would likely work thought it may cook faster. This means your jalapeno halves may have a little crunch to them after cooking.
Store leftovers, covered in the refrigerator. To give it a refresh, you may want to add a tablespoon or two of ranch dressing before serving.
Notes
Variations
Veggie loaded: Add a burst of color and nutrition by incorporating diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or shredded carrots. These veggies will not only enhance the colors but also add a refreshing crunch.
Whole grain: Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat, chickpea pasta or a different type of pasta like penne, bowtie, or rotini. This can add a nuttier flavor and increase the fiber content, too.
Substitutions
If you prefer a spicier version, pepper jack cheese will give you some spice action. Cheddar cheese works, too.
Play around with different types of bacon. Turkey bacon would likely work thought it may cook faster. This means your jalapeno halves may have a little crunch to them after cooking.
Store leftovers, covered in the refrigerator. To give it a refresh, you may want to add a tablespoon or two of ranch dressing before serving.