This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a homemade ranch dressing. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a satisfying meal on its own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare – ready in just 30 minutes.
- Creamy and flavorful with a rich ranch dressing.
- Great for meal prep – tastes even better the next day.
- Perfect for gatherings – a crowd-pleasing pasta salad.
- Customizable with different add-ins and pasta types.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Mayonnaise
- Short pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- Black pepper
- Ranch seasoning packet
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Sour cream
- Whole milk
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, ranch seasoning, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crispy bacon, sliced onions, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado.
- Different Cheese: Try shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use cooked cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy dressing.
- Reheating: Best served cold, but if desired, warm gently and add extra dressing to refresh the texture.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds the dressing well and adds texture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this recipe.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of homemade?
Yes, but using a ranch seasoning packet gives a fresher and richer flavor.
What other meats can I use instead of chicken?
Grilled shrimp or turkey bacon are great substitutes.
How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?
Add a little extra dressing before serving if it has been refrigerated for a long time.
Can I add hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, chopped hard-boiled eggs make a great addition.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
For crispy bacon, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or cook in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, but whole milk gives the best creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether served at a barbecue, picnic, or as a quick meal, it’s a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a new favorite pasta salad!
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, parmesan, and a homemade ranch dressing. Perfect as a side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or even as a hearty meal on its own!
Ingredients
Meat
- 8 slices Thick-Cut Bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded or diced
Produce
- 1/4 cup Onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 10 oz Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved
Condiments
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix
Pasta & Grains
- 16 oz Short Pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
Baking & Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2/3 cup Whole Milk
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Bacon
- Boil pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, ranch seasoning, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and parmesan cheese.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
4. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add More Flavor: Try adding avocado, cucumbers, or shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
