Create the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in Minutes!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer potluck and picnic staple that’s sure to please a crowd. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a tangy ranch dressing. It’s the perfect balance of protein, crunch, and creaminess that makes it a family-favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a backyard barbecue, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

To make this delightful pasta salad, you’ll need a variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Let’s break down the key components:

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced into 2-inch pieces
• 7 oz romaine lettuce, shredded
• 8 strips bacon, diced
• 8 oz dry rotini or fusilli pasta (high protein or whole grain can be used)
• 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 green onions, diced
• 3/4 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 to 2 tbsp poultry seasoning (e.g., Weber Kick’n Chicken or Italian seasoning)
• Pinch of Perfect Salad Supreme seasoning, to taste
• 1/2 cup croutons, roughly chopped

Low-Fat Greek Yogurt Ranch (Optional):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried chives
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 to 2 tbsp buttermilk or milk, as needed

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Preparing this delightful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish in no time:

Cook the Bacon

In a large pan, cook the bacon over low heat until crispy. Set aside. Remove half of the pan drippings, leaving behind 2 tablespoons.

Prepare the Chicken

Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season liberally with poultry seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Rinse the cooked pasta with cool water and drain well.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, shredded cheddar, bacon, and green onions. Pour over most of the ranch dressing, reserving some. Toss the ingredients well and sprinkle in Salad Supreme seasoning to taste.

Final Assembly

When ready to serve, add the shredded romaine lettuce, croutons, and extra ranch dressing to the bowl. Toss everything together and serve.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

To ensure your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a hit, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose the right pasta: Rotini and fusilli work well because their nooks and crannies hold the dressing beautifully, but you can also experiment with penne or farfalle.
• Cook the chicken to perfection: Seasoning the chicken and cooking it over medium-low heat will ensure it’s juicy and flavorful.
• Make the best bacon: Cooking the bacon slowly over low heat until crispy will give you the perfect texture and flavor.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The freshness of the romaine lettuce, green onions, and other veggies will elevate the overall taste and texture of the salad.

Variations and Add-Ons for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

While the classic Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, you can also experiment with various add-ins and substitutions to make it your own:

• Protein Variations: Try using grilled or baked turkey, shrimp, or even tofu instead of chicken for a twist on the classic.
• Vegetable Additions: Mix in diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.
• Alternative Dressings: Instead of ranch, try a creamy Caesar dressing or a tangy vinaigrette to complement the other ingredients.
• Dietary Restrictions: To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta, and for a dairy-free option, swap the cheddar cheese for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free ranch dressing.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

One serving of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

The combination of lean chicken, high-fiber pasta, and fresh vegetables makes this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad a nutritious and satisfying meal. The addition of bacon and cheddar cheese provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Can I use leftover chicken for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time and enhance the flavor of your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken and mix it into the salad as you would with freshly cooked chicken. This not only makes meal prep easier but also helps to minimize food waste.

What type of pasta works best for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?

While rotini and fusilli are commonly used due to their ability to hold dressing and mix well with other ingredients, you can experiment with various types of pasta. Penne, farfalle, or even whole grain or gluten-free options work well too. Just ensure you cook the pasta al dente so it maintains its texture when mixed with the other ingredients.

How can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad lower in calories?

To create a lighter version of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, consider using grilled chicken breast without skin, turkey bacon, and a light or homemade ranch dressing made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Additionally, you can increase the vegetable content by adding more lettuce, cucumbers, or bell peppers, which will bulk up the salad without adding many calories.

Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, as the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients can suffer when thawed. However, you can prepare the components separately—like cooking the chicken and pasta—and freeze them. When ready to eat, just mix them with fresh ingredients and dressing for a quick meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Cowboy Caviar Meets Pasta Salad
• Tortellini Pasta Salad

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, and everything in between. With its creamy dressing, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, this salad is sure to satisfy taste buds and leave everyone coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!

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