Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful and satisfying dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. It’s a go-to for many of us who crave a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember first making this dish for a summer BBQ, and it quickly became a hit among my friends and family. The combination of tender pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing makes it irresistible. Not only is it a crowd pleaser, but it’s also super easy to whip up!
Reasons to try it
Why consider making this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, packing lunch for work, or just want a quick weeknight meal, this salad fits the bill. It’s packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and bacon, while the spiral pasta and shredded zucchini add bulk without overwhelming flavors. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand—it’s kid-approved and a guaranteed winner at any potluck!
"This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad was a hit at our family picnic! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. The flavors were fantastic and it was so easy to prepare!" – Happy Reader
The cooking process explained
Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. You’ll start by preparing your ingredients and dressing, cook the bacon and chicken, boil the pasta, and then mix everything together. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease; you can have it ready in no time. A little bit of planning—like making the ranch dressing ahead—can go a long way in saving time. Ready to roll up your sleeves?
What you’ll need
Gather these items for the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounce pack spiral pasta
- 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 chopped tomato or a handful of cherry tomatoes chopped in half
- 6 pieces thick sliced bacon, diced and cooked well done
- 2 cups shredded zucchini
- 1 pack Ranch Dressing mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have—if you prefer turkey bacon or want to add other vegetables like bell peppers, go for it!
