Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and tossed in a rich ranch dressing, it’s the ultimate combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying. Serve chilled or slightly warm—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Time Overview
Step Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time (Optional) 30 minutes
Total Time ~35–65 mins
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Salad:
3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work well)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cucumber or celery, diced (optional for crunch)
1/4 cup green onions or chives, sliced
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
2 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar (optional for tang)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool.
2. Cook the Bacon and Chicken
While pasta cooks, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. For chicken, use pre-cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or pan-sear your own until golden and fully cooked.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, milk, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and cheese. Pour dressing over and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill (Optional)
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or chives.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Est. 1 of 8 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~450 kcal
Protein 25 g
Carbohydrates 32 g
Fat 25 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 3 g
Sodium 750 mg
Cholesterol 65 mg
Note: Values may vary depending on brands and exact ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Just give it a stir and add a splash of milk or ranch if it thickens too much.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead?
Absolutely. Use about 3/4 to 1 cup of prepared ranch dressing in place of the homemade version.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta work best because they hold onto the dressing well.
Can I make it healthier?
Sure! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-fat mayo, whole wheat pasta, and skip or reduce cheese and bacon.
Is it gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients (including ranch mix) are GF-certified.
Can it be served warm?
Yes, though it’s traditionally served chilled, it’s delicious warm as well—just don’t chill after
assembling.