Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly balances the savory goodness of chicken and bacon, the refreshing crunch of fresh veggies, and the indulgent creaminess of homemade ranch dressing. This is simply irresistible.

Picture perfectly cooked shell pasta combined with hearty chunks of chicken and crumbled bacon, providing a savory depth that is both satisfying and indulgent. Now imagine the fresh crunch of colorful bell peppers, vibrant green onions, ripe cherry tomatoes, and sliced olives. These not only bring a delightful contrast in texture but also a burst of freshness that elevates the dish. However, the real star of the show is the creamy, tangy homemade ranch dressing. Crafted from a blend of mayonnaise, milk, and an array of spices, this dressing binds the ingredients together in a perfect harmony, resulting in a taste that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use precooked bacon?

Absolutely! Using precooked bacon can save time and make the recipe even more convenient.

Can I add other toppings to this salad?

Of course! Feel free to add in any additional toppings that you may like such as red onion, carrot matchsticks, tomatoes, cucumbers, frozen peas, or broccoli.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the homemade version?

Yes, you can! If you’re pressed for time or prefer the taste of your favorite store-bought ranch dressing, feel free to substitute it in this recipe. Keep in mind, the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly compared to the homemade version. As always, adjust to your personal preference and enjoy!

Can I use different shapes of pasta?

Yes, you definitely can! While shell pasta is great for holding onto the rich, creamy dressing in this recipe, you can use other types of pasta. Rotini, fusilli, or bow tie pasta are also excellent choices as they have plenty of nooks and crannies for the dressing and small ingredients to cling to. Remember, regardless of the shape, always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture in your salad.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad can be served as a standalone meal, thanks to its combination of proteins, carbs, and fresh veggies. You can also serve it as a side dish with a grilled main, or take it along for picnics and potlucks.

Overhead view of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl.

Storage Instructions

Chicken bacon ranch pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Related Recipes

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious pasta salad recipes:

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 32 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

1 pound shell pasta
16 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled
16 ounces chicken cooked and cubed or shredded
8 ounces cheddar cheese cubed
1 bell pepper chopped
3.8 ounces olives sliced
1/2 cup green onion sliced
8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved

For the Ranch Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried chives
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta is cooled.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your ingredients: cube or shred the cooked chicken, crumble the cooked bacon, cube the cheese, chop the bell pepper, slice the olives and green onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
In a blender, prepare your dressing. Add the mayonnaise, milk, granulated garlic, dried parsley, dried chives, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the dressing. Stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Add the prepared chicken, bacon, cheese, bell pepper, olives, green onions, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Toss to ensure everything is well coated in the dressing.
You can serve the salad immediately, or cover it and refrigerate until ready to serve.