Description
This Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, and juicy chicken with a creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli or rotini pasta
- 5 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes cut into halves
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Fresh parsley chopped, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- If using homemade ranch dressing, prepare it first and refrigerate until needed.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse under cool water and let drain thoroughly.
- Cut bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Chop the onion, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley (if using) and place them in a large salad bowl. Add the drained pasta and bacon.
- Toss with ranch dressing, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more to taste. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer.
This salad can be made a day in advance for meal prep.
Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 40mg