Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. Combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, this salad offers a delicious blend of textures and tastes. It’s easy to make ahead and serves well as a main dish or side.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
cooked chicken breast (cubed or shredded)
crispy cooked bacon (chopped)
cheddar cheese (shredded or cubed)
cherry tomatoes (halved)
red onion (thinly sliced)
ranch dressing
mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

In a separate bowl, mix ranch dressing with a spoonful of mayonnaise for added creaminess, if desired.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill before serving, if using.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
Swap out cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Add avocado chunks for a creamy twist.
Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Add diced cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch.

storage/reheating

Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture may change.
Serve cold or let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
If the salad dries out in the fridge, add a splash of ranch dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best when chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving, and can be made a day ahead.

Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is traditionally served cold, making it perfect for summer meals.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely, any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli works well.

What kind of chicken is best?
Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work great—just make sure it’s fully cooked and seasoned.

How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Yes, any good-quality ranch dressing will work.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and bacon, and add extra veggies or chickpeas for protein.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?
Yes, bottled ranch dressing works well and saves time.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate comfort food in salad form—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, easy to customize, and quick to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy.