This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for quick lunches or potlucks!
I love how you can toss everything together in just one bowl, making clean-up a breeze. It’s like a party in your mouth! Plus, who can resist bacon? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the dressing well. You can also use fusilli, penne, or even bowties if you prefer a different look.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a quick alternative. Alternatively, grilled or baked chicken works just as great. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch.
Bacon: For a healthier twist, turkey bacon is a good substitute. You could also leave it out to make the dish vegetarian, or replace with crispy chickpeas for crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes if you can’t find cherries. They all add a juicy pop to the salad!
Dill: Fresh dill provides a nice touch, but you can use dried dill (1 tbsp) in its place. Thyme or parsley can also work as great alternatives.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Doesn’t Get Soggy?
To keep your pasta salad fresh, it’s important to handle the pasta properly. Here are my tips:
- Cook the pasta only until al dente for the best texture. It will absorb dressing as it sits, so this step is essential.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water right after draining it. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.
- Avoid mixing in the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This way, the pasta stays coated without becoming soggy.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or cubed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1-2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling time. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the diced chicken, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh dill into the bowl with the dressing. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is coated evenly with the ranch dressing.
4. Add the Pasta:
Gently fold in the cooled pasta so that it gets well coated with the ranch dressing mixture. Season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together. Just before serving, you can sprinkle some extra fresh dill on top for garnish.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions!
Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will even improve as they meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, just add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh it when you reheat or serve it again!
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want to skip the bacon, turkey bacon is a great alternative, or you could leave it out altogether for a lighter version. For some crunch, try adding crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds instead!
