The sun is shining, and the warm breeze invites you to enjoy summer’s flavors. When you’re with friends and family, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a hit. It’s a mix of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all with fresh pasta and veggies.
This dish takes you to a perfect summer day. It’s all about good company and tasty food.
Table of contents
Intro to Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Get ready to enjoy a delicious summer pasta salad that’s both tasty and refreshing. Our chicken bacon ranch pasta salad recipe is a hit with everyone, kids and adults. It’s perfect for lazy summer days, BBQs, or picnics.
About the Recipe
This easy chicken bacon ranch pasta salad uses tender rotini or fusilli pasta. It’s mixed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies like green onions and cherry tomatoes. The dressing is the highlight, blending mayonnaise, buttermilk, and herbs for a creamy taste.
Perfect for Summer Days
This pasta salad is a summer favorite with its bright colors and fresh tastes. It’s great for outdoor events or quick lunches. The mix of pasta, chicken, bacon, and creamy dressing makes it a satisfying and healthy meal.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for the Salad
To make this tasty chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, start with 1 pound of pasta like penne or farfalle. Cook it al dente. Then, add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese cubed, and 12 ounces of cooked, crumbled bacon.
For the veggies, use 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup of diced red onion, and a handful of fresh herbs. Choose parsley, chives, and green onion, each in a 2 tablespoon amount.
Ingredients for the Ranch Dressing
To make the creamy homemade ranch dressing, you’ll need 1 cup of sour cream and 1 to 1 1/2 cups of half and half. Add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and an ounce packet of ranch seasoning.
Include 1 tablespoon of dried dill and a mix of parsley, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to taste. You can also use store-bought ranch dressing for convenience.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 1 pound |
| Shredded Rotisserie Chicken | 2 cups |
| Cubed Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 8 ounces |
| Cooked Crumbled Bacon | 12 ounces |
| Halved Cherry Tomatoes | 1 pint |
| Diced Red Onion | 1/3 cup |
| Parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Chives | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Onion | 2 tablespoons |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup |
| Half and Half | 1 to 1 1/2 cups |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Ranch Seasoning Packet | 1 ounce |
| Dried Dill | 1 tablespoon |
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Making the easy chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is simple! Just follow this step-by-step chicken bacon ranch pasta salad recipe. It’s a perfect summer dish that will wow your guests.
- Cook the pasta as the package says until it’s al dente. Then, drain and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
- In a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, crispy bacon, halved grape tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- To make the ranch dressing, mix mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, milk, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Top the chicken bacon ranch pasta salad with sliced green onions and extra bacon crumbles, if you like.
The chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is ready to eat right away or can be chilled in the fridge until you’re ready. It’s a great main dish or side for your summer parties!
The chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a healthy and filling meal. Each serving has about 543 calories, 30g of carbs, 14g of protein, and 40g of fat. It’s also packed with vitamins A, C, potassium, and calcium.
Prep Ahead Tips
Looking to save time? You can make your chicken bacon ranch pasta salad up to two days early. Just follow the recipe, store it in a sealed container, and keep it cold until serving.
Preparing the chicken bacon ranch pasta salad ahead is perfect for summer events and quick lunches. The flavors will blend well, and you’ll have a tasty meal with little effort.
When meal prepping, make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). The dressing recipe makes about 1 cup, enough for the salad. You can store the dressing separately or mix it with the salad before chilling.
| Prep Ahead Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Chilling Time | At least 4 hours |
| Storage | 4-5 days in the fridge |
| Dressing Storage | 1 week in the fridge |
With these make ahead tips, you can enjoy the chicken bacon ranch pasta salad easily. It’s great for summer gatherings or quick lunches throughout the week.
Variations and Substitutions
The classic chicken bacon ranch pasta salad can be customized for different diets. You can find vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. Each one offers a unique taste.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the chicken with grilled or roasted veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. Use vegan ranch dressing or a cashew-based dressing for creaminess.
Gluten-Free Options
Make the salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. You can also use turkey bacon or skip the bacon for more protein.
| Variation | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Grilled/Roasted Vegetables, Vegan Ranch Dressing |
| Vegan | Grilled/Roasted Vegetables, Cashew-based Dressing |
| Gluten-Free | Gluten-Free Pasta, Turkey Bacon or No Bacon |
These simple swaps let you enjoy vegetarian chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, vegan chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, or gluten-free chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. They cater to various dietary needs.
chicken bacon ranch pasta salad
If you’re looking for a delightful and filling pasta salad for summer, the chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is perfect. It has tender chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta, all in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your cravings.
The easy chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is simple to make. It’s great for picnics, BBQs, and easy lunches. Its mix of savory and tangy flavors makes it a family favorite.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 543 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 56% |
| Cholesterol | 54mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 697mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 318mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 314IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 42mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
The chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a delightful and nutritious choice for summer. It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
“This pasta salad is a summer staple in our house. It’s so easy to make and the flavors are out of this world!”
Serving Suggestions
The chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is perfect for summer. It’s great for BBQs, picnics, or outdoor lunches. This salad is a fantastic side dish.
Delicious Pairings
Pair the salad with grilled meats and fish like burgers, hot dogs, or salmon. It also goes well with summer sides like corn on the cob and courgette fritters. Plus, it’s great with refreshing sandwiches or toasties.
For a full summer spread, try it with other colorful salads. Options include curried rice salad, 5 bean salad, or prawn and avocado salad.
| What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad | Side Dishes for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad | Pairings for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Meats and Fish | Corn on the Cob | Curried Rice Salad |
| Burgers | Courgette Fritters | 5 Bean Salad |
| Hot Dogs | Sandwiches and Toasties | Prawn and Avocado Salad |
“The chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a summer staple that complements a wide range of grilled and chilled dishes, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any alfresco gathering.”
Make it a Meal
This chicken pasta salad is perfect for lunch or as a side at a summer party. It’s hearty and filling. You can enjoy it alone or with grilled proteins, sandwiches, or other summer sides.
For a full meal, try pairing the chicken pasta salad with:
- Grilled chicken or steak skewers
- Crispy chicken tenders or nuggets
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- A fresh green salad or coleslaw
- Roasted or grilled vegetables
This chicken pasta salad is versatile. It can be the main event or a tasty side to your favorite summer dishes.
| Meal Idea | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad as a Main Dish | Serve with grilled chicken skewers, garlic bread, and a fresh green salad. |
| Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad as a Side Dish | Pair with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue pulled pork sandwiches. |
Adding this chicken pasta salad to your meals is a great choice. It’s delicious and can be customized to fit your tastes and dietary needs.
Storage and Leftovers
Your Chicken Pasta Salad can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to put leftovers in the fridge within 30 minutes of serving. This way, you keep it fresh and safe to eat. Unfortunately, it’s not good for freezing, but it’s great as a cold lunch or dinner for a few days.
For chicken pasta salad leftovers, it’s important to store them right. Place them in a sealed container in the fridge. This way, they’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 days. The shelf life of chicken pasta salad is short, so eat it within a few days for the best taste.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (Airtight Container) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Not Recommended |
By following these easy storage tips, you can enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or light dinners during busy weekdays or summer.
Essential Kitchen Tools
For the perfect chicken pasta salad, the right tools are key. They help from boiling pasta to mixing the salad. Here are the kitchen tools for making pasta salads you’ll need.
- Large Pot: A big pot is needed for boiling pasta. It lets the noodles cook evenly.
- Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is vital for crispy bacon. It cooks the bacon perfectly.
- Cutting Board and Knife: A strong cutting board and sharp knife are essential. They help prep ingredients like chicken and veggies.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A big mixing bowl is needed for tossing the salad. It holds pasta, chicken, bacon, and dressing.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: A wooden spoon or tongs mix the salad gently. They ensure the dressing coats everything well.
With these kitchen tools for making chicken pasta salad, you’re set. You’ll make a tasty dish perfect for summer or a weeknight dinner.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boiling the pasta |
| Baking Sheet | Cooking the bacon |
| Cutting Board and Knife | Prepping the ingredients |
| Large Mixing Bowl | Tossing the salad |
| Wooden Spoon or Tongs | Gently mixing the salad |
“Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference in the final outcome of a dish. When it comes to chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, these essential kitchen tools will help you create a delicious and visually appealing masterpiece.”
More Summer Salad Recipes
If you loved the chicken pasta salad, check out our other summer salads. We have creamy tuna pasta, curried rice salad, and refreshing 5 bean salad. These easy and tasty options will keep your taste buds happy all summer.
Our prawn and avocado salad is a hit for summer. It has juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and a tangy dressing. For a heartier option, try our curried rice salad. It has fragrant spices, tender chicken, and fresh veggies for a flavorful meal.
Our selection of other summer pasta salad recipes, easy summer salad recipes, and cold pasta salad recipes for summer will inspire your next meal. Try something new and add a summer twist to your menu.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Prep Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad | Pasta, tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill | 20 minutes | 6-8 |
| Curried Rice Salad | Rice, chicken, mango, red bell pepper, curry powder | 30 minutes | 4-6 |
| 5 Bean Salad | Kidney beans, garbanzo beans, green beans, wax beans, diced onion, vinegar, oil | 15 minutes | 8-10 |
| Prawn and Avocado Salad | Cooked shrimp, avocado, mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette | 25 minutes | 4 |
Try one of these delicious summer salad recipes for your next meal. Your taste buds will love you!
Conclusion
This Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for summer. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. The mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and homemade ranch dressing makes it a family favorite.
It’s great for picnics, potlucks, or easy lunches outdoors. You can make it ahead of time and adjust it to your liking. This makes it a versatile and tasty choice for any outdoor event.
If you want a summer salad that’s both filling and refreshing, try this one. It has the perfect mix of textures and tastes. It’s the ultimate summer dish that will leave you wanting more.