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Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with chicken, bacon, veggies, and ranch dressing.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A creamy, smoky, and filling pasta salad perfect for hot days or gatherings, combining chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and bite-sized veggies for a comforting yet refreshing meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups short pasta (like rotini, penne, or bowties) Cooked and cooled
  • 2 cups cooked chicken Chopped into bite-sized chunks; rotisserie is recommended
  • 6 slices bacon Cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Use a brand you like
  • 1 cup cheese Shredded or cubed; sharp cheddar is recommended
Add-Ins
  • 1/2 cup green onions Chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup cucumber Diced
  • 1/2 cup peas Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook your pasta in salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
  2. While the pasta cools, cook the bacon until crisp, let it cool, then chop it into small pieces.
  3. Chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Mixing
  1. In a big bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, cheese, and the add-ins.
  2. Stir together the ranch dressing and any extras, then pour it over the mixture and mix well.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors settle.

Notes

Do not skip the chill time. It enhances flavor as the pasta absorbs the dressing. For leftovers, add extra ranch if it appears dry.