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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
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If you’re craving a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up, look no further than this delightful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Perfect for a casual lunch or a delightful dinner side, this salad combines creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, savory bacon, and al dente pasta into a flavorful symphony that’s hard to resist.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Final Dish Presentation
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Growing up, my mom would always prepare this Pasta Salad for our family picnics. The creamy tang of ranch combined with crispy bacon was something I always looked forward to. Over time, I’ve made it my own by adding some special touches that just might make it your family’s favorite too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty addition to a potluck. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s tailored to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s also versatile and suits any occasion, from summer gatherings to family dinners.

Ingredients Notes

For this recipe, you’ll need cooked Chicken Breast, crispy bacon, rotini pasta, ranch dressing, and chopped vegetables like cherry tomatoes and scallions. Feel free to prep the chicken and bacon a day ahead to save time. If you’re short on cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad ingredients
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Recipe Steps

Step 1

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2

Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Ensure the bacon is cooked crispy and crumbled.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, and bacon. Add the cherry tomatoes and scallions for added freshness and color.

Step 4

Pour ranch dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated. Adjust the dressing amount according to your preference.

Step 5

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to make it ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. Freezing is not recommended as the ingredients may lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.

Variations & Substitutions

To cater to different dietary needs, swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing. For an extra kick, mix in some hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

This Pasta Salad is best served chilled and makes an excellent side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or family gatherings. Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete delightful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad the night before?
Absolutely! Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to blend well, making it even tastier. Just add the dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! While rotini works great because of its shape, which holds the dressing well, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta.

How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini to maintain heartiness and flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Final Dish Presentation
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this salad ahead of time! For optimal results, cook the pasta, chicken, and bacon and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Store the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and chopped vegetables separately in the refrigerator. Then, just before serving, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and add the ranch dressing. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and ensure the flavors are at their best. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

What are some good substitutions for the chicken and bacon?
If you don’t have cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient substitute; use about 2 cups shredded. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon altogether, and add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers and 1 cup of chopped cucumbers to increase the vegetable content. For the bacon, you could try using a plant-based bacon alternative, or omit it and increase the amount of cheese or add some toasted nuts for a similar salty, crunchy element.

How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly?
The pasta is perfectly cooked when it is “al dente,” meaning “to the tooth” in Italian. Visually, the pasta should appear fully cooked and not translucent. Texture-wise, it should be firm to the bite, offering a slight resistance when chewed, but not hard or crunchy. Taste a piece of pasta; it should be cooked through without any raw center. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and soft, while undercooked pasta will be hard.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger gathering?
Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up! When doubling or tripling the recipe, ensure you use a sufficiently large mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume. You might need to cook the pasta in batches, depending on the size of your pot. Also, consider using a larger serving spoon to toss the salad. Adjust the amount of dressing to taste as needed, as the pasta may absorb more or less depending on the quantity.

What are some of the nutritional benefits of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
This salad provides a good balance of nutrients. Chicken is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Bacon contributes protein and fat, while the pasta provides carbohydrates for energy. Cherry tomatoes and scallions offer vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. The ranch dressing adds flavor and some fat, but consider using a Greek yogurt-based ranch to increase the protein and decrease the fat content.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

How to Make the Best Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad

This Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad is a zesty and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Combining tender pieces of chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, it's all tossed together in a tangy southwest dressing.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes
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Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup corn kernels cooked
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers diced
  • 0.5 cup southwest dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chicken and taco seasoning, cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, corn, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.
  • Pour the southwest dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
  • Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños to the salad.

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