Cold Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta salads have become a staple at gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, offering a delightful way to combine flavors and textures into a single dish. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes available, the Chillin' Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad stands out for its satisfying mix of savory chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing it to shine at any event, whether it’s a casual summer barbecue or an elegant dinner party.

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleaser with Chillin' Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad! This refreshing dish blends tender rotini pasta, succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home, it’s easy to make and customizable to fit any dietary needs. Dive into this delicious pasta salad and enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!

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Ingredients

8 oz. rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)

2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie works great!)

6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Make sure to keep everything bite-sized for easy mixing.

Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you prefer a little tang, you can mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt.

Combine Ingredients: To the bowl with dressing, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Toss Together: Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and veggies are well-coated with the ranch dressing. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary.

Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving: Before serving, give the salad a good toss and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your refreshing and hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad chilled!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings