Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Recipe
Introduction to Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Welcome to the delightful world of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! This dish is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
A Personal Story Behind My Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Journey
Growing up, family gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and delicious food. One dish that always stood out was my grandmother’s pasta salad. She had a unique way of bringing flavors together that made every bite memorable. Inspired by her cooking, I created my version of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, blending my love for pasta with the rich flavors of ranch and bacon. Every time I prepare this dish, it reminds me of those warm family moments.
What Makes This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Special?
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is special for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile; you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Second, it’s a hearty meal packed with protein, making it satisfying enough to serve as a main course. Lastly, the combination of textures—from the crunchy bacon to the creamy dressing and fresh lettuce—creates a delightful eating experience.
The Full Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced into 2″ pieces
- 7 oz container romaine lettuce, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, diced
- 8 oz dry rotini or fusili pasta (high protein or whole grain)
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5 green onions, diced
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1-2 tablespoons poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of Perfect Salad Supreme, to taste
- 1/2 cup croutons, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook the diced bacon over low heat until crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes. Set aside, but don’t forget to reserve half of the bacon drippings for added flavor.
- Remove half of the bacon drippings, leaving 2 tablespoons in the pan. Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with your preferred seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. This ensures the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cool water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Pour most of the ranch dressing over the mixture (reserve some for later) and toss everything together. Sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning to taste for that extra flavor kick.
- Before serving, gently fold in the romaine lettuce, croutons, and any extra dressing. This keeps the lettuce fresh and crisp!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad chilled for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a side of fresh fruit. You can also modify the recipe by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even avocado. For a lighter version, substitute the ranch dressing with a homemade low-fat Greek yogurt ranch. Just mix 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with your favorite herbs and spices!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add the lettuce and croutons right before serving to keep them fresh.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your ranch dressing is gluten-free as well.
Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and pasta mixture separately. Just be sure to add fresh ingredients like lettuce and croutons after thawing.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per Serving: 380
Servings: 6
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large Skillet For cooking chicken and bacon.
- Large pot For boiling pasta.
- Mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
- 7 oz romaine lettuce, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, diced
- 8 oz dry rotini or fusili pasta
- 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5 units green onions, diced
- 3.75 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch Perfect Salad Supreme
- 0.5 cup croutons, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook the diced bacon over low heat until crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes. Set aside, but don’t forget to reserve half of the bacon drippings for added flavor.
- Remove half of the bacon drippings, leaving 2 tablespoons in the pan. Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with your preferred seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. This ensures the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cool water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Pour most of the ranch dressing over the mixture (reserve some for later) and toss everything together. Sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning to taste for that extra flavor kick.
- Before serving, gently fold in the romaine lettuce, croutons, and any extra dressing. This keeps the lettuce fresh and crisp!