Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad dish is more than just a recipe it’s a taste of summer. Every time I make it I’m transported back to get togethers with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. That creamy ranch the tender chicken, and the crispy bacon it’s a reminder that the best meals are the ones we share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd pleaser guaranteed This chicken bacon ranch pasta salad feeds a hungry bunch without breaking your budget
• Make ahead friendly Actually tastes better after sitting overnight believe it or not the flavors just marry beautifully
• Protein packed satisfaction Keeps everyone full for hours not just temporarily satisfied
• Versatile for any occasion Works perfectly for barbecues, office lunches or lazy Sunday dinners
• Simple ingredients amazing results No fancy techniques required just good honest cooking

Ingredients to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Main Components:

• 12 oz Pasta – rotini or penne
• 2 cups Cooked chicken breast diced – rotisserie chicken saves time.
• 8 strips Crispy bacon – turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative
• 1 cup Ranch dressing – homemade elevates everything.

Fresh Additions:

• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved – Adds bright acidity that cuts through richness
• ½ cup Red onion finely diced – Sweet onion if you prefer milder flavor
• 2 stalks Celery chopped
• ¼ cup Fresh chives chopped Green onions substitute perfectly

Flavor Boosters:

• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice

Timing to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the pasta base

You’re going to want to cook the pasta until it’s just right al dente, with a little chew to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta salad. As soon as it’s done, drain it well. Then, give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This is the secret to a great salad; you want that pasta dry and ready to soak up all the delicious dressing, not a watery mess that ruins everything.

Step 2: Prepare your protein items

First, you’ll want to get that bacon nice and crispy. Cook it until it’s perfectly crunchy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, season and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for a bit before dicing it into even pieces. That way, every forkful of the pasta salad will have a little bit of everything—tender chicken and that irresistible crunch of bacon.

Step 3: Chop the fresh ingredients

When you’re prepping your fresh ingredients, take your time and use a sharp knife it really makes a difference. Slice your veggies evenly so every piece is a perfect little bite. Keep the tomatoes to the side for now. They’ll release some moisture, and we don’t want that getting into the mix just yet and making everything soggy.

Step 4: Prepare the creamy base

Now for the magic. In a bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Mix it until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a taste, then add some salt and pepper until it’s just right. This is the heart of your pasta salad, so you want it to be perfect not too thick, not too thin, just the right consistency to coat everything in a delicious, velvety layer.

Step 5: Mix everything strategically

Once your pasta has cooled, put it in a big bowl. Pour about half of your creamy dressing over it and toss it gently, making sure every piece is lightly coated. Now, you can add the good stuff: the chicken, the crispy bacon, the cheese, and all of your beautiful chopped veggies.

Step 6: Final Dressing and Chilling

The most important part now is to be patient. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours. This rest period is crucial it gives all those delicious flavors time to get to know each other. The creamy dressing will soak into the pasta, the chicken, and the veggies, making for a truly spectacular salad.

Cooking Tips Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

• Double the batch for large gatherings
• Cook pasta one minute less than package directions
• Save some pasta water before draining
• Toast bacon to perfect crispness
• Use room temperature ingredients when mixing

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

• Serve this chicken bacon ranch pasta salad alongside grilled burgers for the ultimate summer feast.
• For elegant presentations, serve in individual mason jars layered attractively. Garnish with extra chives and cherry tomato halves.
• Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or crisp white wine. The richness of the cream effectively complements acidic drinks.

How to Store and Reheat

You can keep your chicken bacon ranch pasta salad in the fridge for up to four days if you store it in airtight containers. Don’t reheat this dish – it’s designed to be enjoyed cold. If it seems dry after storage, simply stir in a tablespoon of ranch dressing or mayonnaise to refresh the creamy texture before serving again.

More Great Ranch Pasta Salad Recipes

• Ranch Bacon Wrapped Chicken
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

By Nancy

Searching for a flavorful side or main dish? Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad delivers creamy comfort with every bite. Discover the easy recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz Pasta
• 2 cups Cooked chicken breast diced
• 8 strips Crispy bacon
• 1 cup Ranch dressing
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
• ½ cup Red onion finely diced
• 2 stalks Celery chopped
• ¼ cup Fresh chives chopped
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta Foundation

• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don't overthink this part. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Let me tell you something – soggy pasta ruins everything.

Step 2: Prepare Your Protein Elements

• Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, season and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Dice into uniform pieces for even distribution throughout your chicken bacon ranch pasta salad.

Step 3: Chop Your Fresh Components

• Dice vegetables uniformly for professional appearance. Keep tomatoes separate initially to prevent excess moisture from diluting flavors. Sharp knife work makes the difference between amateur and restaurant-quality results.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This base should coat ingredients without being too thick or too thin.

Step 5: Combine Everything Strategically

• Add cooled pasta to large bowl first. Pour half the dressing over pasta and toss gently. Add chicken, bacon, cheese, and vegetables. Fold remaining dressing in carefully to avoid breaking delicate ingredients.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Chilling

• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The flavors need time to meld properly for optimal chicken bacon ranch pasta salad experience.

Notes

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 445
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg

Keyword pasta salad, creamy salad, summer salad, BBQ side dish, picnic recipe, cold pasta salad, easy salad, potluck dish, chicken recipe, ranch dressing

FAQ About Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Conclusion

Whip up this recipe for your next get-together and get ready to watch it vanish! I’ve been making this for years, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. Have you tried a fun twist on it? Let me know in the comments below, or subscribe for more recipes that I’ve tested in my own kitchen and know you’ll love.