Description

This Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing for a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a light dinner.

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the ranch dressing first, if making homemade, and refrigerate it until needed.
Boil a large, salted pot of water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Chop the onion, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley (if using) and add them to a large salad bowl. Once cooked, add the pasta and bacon.
Toss everything with ranch dressing, starting with 1/2 cup. Adjust with more dressing if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Feel free to add bell peppers or cucumbers for more veggies.
This salad can be made a day ahead; just keep the dressing separate until serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 760mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 60mg