Oh, the joys of a lazy Sunday afternoon! There’s something uniquely satisfying about mixing up a bowl of comfort food that feels like a warm hug, isn’t there? This chicken bacon ranch pasta salad—trust me, it’s not just a dish, it’s a vibe—brings back memories of those carefree summer picnics, where laughter mingled with the scent of sizzling bacon.
Steps
- Cook the pasta following the instructions on the box or use an Instant Pot, then drain and rinse it under cold water to prevent further cooking and sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the cooked chicken and other ingredients. If starting with raw chicken, cook it in the oven, air fryer, or Instant Pot first.
- Place the drained pasta into a large mixing bowl and add the chicken, seasonings, tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.
- Pour in the ranch dressing and mix well to ensure everything is coated, then add half of the bacon and the cheese.
- Stir everything together until fully combined, then top with the remaining bacon and a bit more parsley for garnish.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors meld. Add extra ranch dressing before serving if needed, as the pasta may absorb some.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but do not freeze.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of cooked rotini pasta (12 ounces if using tri-colored pasta)
- 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup of grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber or celery stalk, chopped
- ¼ cup of chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1½ cups of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of sliced cheddar cheese or American cheese
- 6 strips of cooked bacon, chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3130kcal | Carbohydrates: 270g | Protein: 130g | Fat: 170g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 80g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Trans Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 330mg | Sodium: 4660mg | Potassium: 1900mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1460IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 490mg | Iron: 10mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can make the pasta salad a day ahead of time. It’s best to stir in additional ranch dressing before serving, as the pasta might absorb some of the dressing while it sits. Adding more chopped bacon just before serving will help maintain its crunchiness.
- How should I store leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
- Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for 3 to 4 days. However, it is not recommended to freeze this pasta salad as the texture may change.
- What variations can I try with this pasta salad recipe?
- You can customize the pasta salad by using different types of chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or crispy chicken strips. You can also switch up the pasta type and add your favorite salad ingredients like green onions, olives, or sweet peas. For a spicy twist, consider adding red pepper flakes or a spicy dressing.
- What kind of cheese works best in this pasta salad?
- The recipe suggests using American or cheddar cheese, but you can use any cheese you prefer or omit it altogether if desired.
- Is there a substitute for the ranch dressing in the recipe?
- If you don’t have pre-made ranch dressing, you can use a ranch dressing mix packet and prepare it with mayo and sour cream following the package instructions.
Tips
- Rinse Pasta with Cold Water: After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
- Add Bacon Just Before Serving: To maintain its crunchiness, consider adding some of the bacon just before serving the salad.
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: Depending on your preference and the thickness of your ranch dressing, you may need to adjust the amount to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Make Ahead for Better Flavor: Prepare the pasta salad a day in advance and let it sit in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in additional ranch dressing before serving if the pasta has absorbed too much.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (for cooking pasta and/or chicken)
- Air Fryer (for cooking bacon)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Colander (for draining pasta)
