Description

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish for all your summer gatherings. This colorful and creamy pasta salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch dressing to create a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked rotini pasta
2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red onion.

3. Add the Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta salad and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Choose the Right Pasta: Rotini or penne work best for this salad, as their spiral or tube-like shapes help the dressing and ingredients cling to the pasta.

Enhance Flavor with Add-Ins: Consider adding extra crunch with diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or toasted nuts. You can also stir in fresh herbs like basil or chives for a pop of flavor.

Proper Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the salad seems dry, you can add a bit more ranch dressing before serving.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Category: Lunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 800
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 8
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 3
Protein: 30
Cholesterol: 70