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Crunchy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A vibrant pasta salad that combines the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing with fresh veggies and pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into pieces.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, cheese, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Drizzle 1/2 cup of ranch dressing over the top and gently fold until well coated.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste and cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for chickpeas and use turkey bacon or omit it. Feel free to experiment with different dressings or pasta shapes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, quick meal