Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and colorful vegetables. This irresistible pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Its beautiful presentation and rich flavors will make it the star of your next meal. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing/Boiling/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 strips of crispy bacon
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup green onions (chopped)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or lettuce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and cool.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; grill or pan-cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F). Dice after resting.
- Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 5-7 minutes; chop into pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and spinach.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the mixture and toss well to coat.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option. Add bell peppers or more veggies for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.