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There are recipes you make once and never forget — for me, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is one of them. The first time I made it was for a family barbecue on a warm summer afternoon. By the time I went back for seconds, the bowl was nearly empty. That’s when I knew this was a keeper.
It’s creamy, savory, and fresh all at once — the perfect balance of tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch dressing. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or just a quick weekday dinner, this pasta salad is a dish that never fails to impress.
Table of Contents
Why This Pasta Salad Is Different
There are plenty of pasta salads out there, but this one is on another level. Instead of being just a side dish, it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The protein from chicken, the crunch from bacon, and the richness of ranch dressing make it both satisfying and refreshing.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Perfect for busy days.
- Versatile – Great as a side or main course.
- Better with time – Flavors get richer after chilling.
- Family favorite – Even picky eaters love it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the full lineup for this creamy, flavor-packed pasta salad:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rotini or penne pasta | 12 oz | Holds the dressing and flavors |
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups | Adds protein and substance |
| Bacon | 6 slices | Smoky, crispy texture |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | Freshness and a pop of color |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Creamy, cheesy goodness |
| Ranch dressing | 1 cup | Flavor base |
| Red onion | ¼ cup, diced | Zing and crunch |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped | Bright finishing touch |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
Related: Bobby Flay Pizza Dough Recipe
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Cooling it stops the cooking and keeps it from going mushy.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
If you’re starting from raw chicken, grill, bake, or pan-sear until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Dice into bite-sized chunks. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
4. Add the Creamy Ranch
Pour ranch dressing over the mix and toss until evenly coated. Add more dressing if you like it extra creamy.
5. Season and Garnish
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
6. Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can meld together.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
- Use short pasta shapes like rotini or bowtie to trap more dressing.
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing to avoid dryness.
- Go for quality ranch dressing — homemade is even better.
- Add extra veggies like cucumber or bell pepper for crunch.
- Make it lighter with whole wheat pasta and low-fat ranch.
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Storage & Make-Ahead Advice
This pasta salad is make-ahead friendly. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. If it feels dry after chilling, stir in a spoonful of ranch before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values are approximate and depend on ingredients used.)
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, in fact it tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
What chicken works best?
Grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken works well.
Can I freeze pasta salad?
No, freezing changes the texture of both pasta and dressing.
A Personal Take
Every time I make this recipe, it disappears faster than I expect. It’s the creamy ranch mixed with the smoky bacon and tender chicken that makes people come back for more. This isn’t just another pasta salad — it’s the one everyone asks for at my gatherings.
If you want a dish that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
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Key Takeaways
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Works as a side or main dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes better after chilling.
- Balanced Flavors: Creamy ranch, smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies or use light ranch for a healthier version.
- Storage: Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge.
Related: PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil salted water in a saucepan. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble.
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
- Pour ranch dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Video
Notes
- For extra crunch, add diced cucumber, celery, or bell peppers.
- Use whole wheat pasta and light ranch for a healthier version.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Muhammad Ahtsham is the founder of EatLike.com, where he shares real-world advice on clean eating, high-protein meals, and healthy weight loss. With hands-on experience in nutrition and food blogging, his recipes and tips are practical, tested, and made to help real people see results.
