Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Ever (2024)

I made this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe for our family gatherings the other day. It was a crazy amazing hit! So much so that I was asked to bring the same salad to ANOTHER family gathering just days later! I know right?! I usually make this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad Recipe but decided to try something a little different, so I created this for our very LARGE Summer potluck get-together.

Wow! I was really amazed at the flavor and response I got…so of course I knew I had to share it with you all! This cold pasta salad recipe is LOADED with yummy, CRUNCHY, filling ingredients and I used a very yummy homemade ranch dressing that made this pasta salad extra special!

This delicious pasta salad is a perfect side dish for a Summer barbecue or potluck dinner, but so hardy and packed with protein you could easily serve it as a main course too!

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Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Ever!

What brand is best for Creamy Ranch Dressing?

Ok, this is just an opinion of course, BUT I’ve been using Uncle Dan’s Southern Classic Ranch Dressing…forever! It’s a staple in my house…I use it on my veggie pizza, in wraps…so many ways!

Can I use any type of pasta for this salad?

• Rotini is what I like to use because it holds up well and the sauce gets in between the twirly noodles ~ yum factor
• Tri-Colored Rotini is also a great option and pretty for pasta salads
• Bow-tie pasta is always a fun one to use and makes a good pasta salad.
• Small-size Penne’ would work well
• Small-size shells also work well

Variations and add-ons to this cold pasta salad recipe

Can I add additional vegetables or ingredients to customize the salad? YES, you can, and here are some extra veggie ideas:

• ​Red Onion
• Radishes
• ​Black Olives
• Green Peppers
• Yellow Peppers
• Broccoli chopped finely
• ​Fresh Herbs

Tips, Tricks & FAQ for BEST results!

• How should I cook the chicken before adding it to the salad? I grilled my chicken but you can use rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked frozen chicken, or leftover chicken can all be used to make this creamy pasta salad.
• Use any type of cheese you like medium cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar cheese…any kind!
• Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon? YES you totally can
• Cut your bacon up BEFORE you cook it. Then there isn’t anything to do but cook.
• Mix all of your ingredients in a large mixing bowl before pouring them into your serving bowl.
• You can also use any store-bought ranch dressing.
• Can I use low-fat or fat-free ingredients to make a healthier version? Yep, you totally can! I used light mayo, but you can use light or regular.
• I suggest not using the DIP recipe on the back of Uncle Dan’s ranch package that uses sour cream because it’s too thick for pasta salad recipes. But it IS yummy for dips!

How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?

If you have leftovers you can keep this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in the fridge for about 3 days. After that the veggies and bacon get soggy. However, if that doesn’t bother you, you can keep it up to 5 days and it will still be yummy. You may need to add a little more Ranch Dressing because the noodles tend to soak up the dressing as it sits.

How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Make the homemade creamy salad dressing in a small bowl or airtight container, the night before you are going to serve the pasta salad. Follow the package directions on the back of Uncle Dan’s package. I made 1/2 of the package instructions which was 2 cups of dressing. 1 cup buttermilk and 1 cup mayo.

Grill your Chicken Breast. I did this the night before I made the salad. See tips for shortcuts on this. I actually grilled them since it’s Summer and I cooked a ton extra for chicken salad sandwiches, chicken wraps, and chicken Caesar salad. I almost always cook more of certain things to freeze or use for later in the week…grilled chicken is one of them.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. I always like to sprinkle a little olive oil on top of the water to help the pasta from sticking together during the cooking process, then pour pasta into it. Cook pasta until tender.

Cook your slices of Bacon over medium heat until they are crispy, while your pasta cooks.

Cut up the Veggies while your pasta AND your bacon are cooking. Also, chop your chicken up.

Drain water from Pasta in a strainer. Then run cold water over the pasta to cool it down. We don’t want to put cheese and nice cold veggies into hot pasta, especially since this is a cold chicken bacon pasta salad!The pasta doesn’t need to be cold…just cooled down.

Put the Pasta Salad Together

Use a large bowl to mix all of your ingredients together. Add in your cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cucumber, tomatoes, red peppers, green onions, and cheese. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Pour on the creamy ranch dressing and mix again. Add pepper to taste (optional). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

TIP: If you made your salad dressing the night before, stir it up before adding it to the other ingredients.

That’s it! Be prepared to always be asked to bring this DEELISH Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe to every gathering you go to! Also, be sure and check the tips, tricks, and FAQ so you can make this recipe your own!

See Also

10 Delicious Bariatric Friendly Recipes - The Instant Pot Table