Description

This Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies for a delicious meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick dinners, it’s easy to make and full of flavor.

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)

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Instructions

Prepare the ranch dressing first, if making homemade, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse under cool water and drain thoroughly.
Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Chop the red onion, shred the chicken, halve the tomatoes, and chop the parsley. Add these ingredients to a large salad bowl along with the cooled pasta and cooked bacon.
Toss everything together with the ranch dressing, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately, or chill before serving.

Notes

Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer.
This salad can be made in advance and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Add extra veggies or cheese for more flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 60mg