Ingredients
– 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
– 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup green onions, sliced
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 cup diced cucumbers or bell peppers
Instructions
Creating Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If you didn’t have cooked chicken on hand, grill or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Bacon: In a pan, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into smaller pieces.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
7. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve: Take it out of the fridge, give it a good stir, and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
By following these steps, you will create a Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad that is not only easy to prepare but also delivers on flavor and satisfaction!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 22g