Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Creamy Make-Ahead Summer Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, protein-packed cold pasta salad loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and green onions tossed in a rich ranch dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, meal prep, picnics, or an easy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
16 ounces small dried pasta (rotini or fusilli)
6-8 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 ounces thick ranch dressing
2 tablespoons lemon juice or rice vinegar
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cool water. Allow it to cool completely.
4. Meanwhile, cook and chop the bacon if it is not already prepared.
5. Chop the cooked chicken, halve the tomatoes, slice the green onions, and shred the cheddar cheese.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
7. Pour the ranch dressing and lemon juice over the salad.
8. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before serving and enjoy.
Notes
Rotini and fusilli hold the dressing especially well.
Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option.
For extra crunch, add diced celery or chopped bell peppers.
If the pasta absorbs the dressing after chilling, stir in a little extra ranch before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the dressing may separate after thawing.