Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is truly a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing classic! Creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, crispy bacon, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked spiral pasta come together for a dish that’s outrageously delicious yet so simple to prepare. It’s the ultimate picnic side, potluck favorite, or make-ahead lunch — and believe me, after just one bowl, you’ll crave it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy here—just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that work magic together. Each one brings color, irresistible texture, and big-time taste to this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.

• Spiral Pasta (12 ounces): Wacky Pack veggie spirals or classic rotini are perfect for catching every drop of ranch dressing.
• Chopped Rotisserie Chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken makes prep fast, but you can use any cooked and chopped chicken you love.
• Crispy Bacon (6 thick slices): Go for thick-cut, cooked until it’s deeply golden and crunchy for plenty of flavor and crunch.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar adds richness and that irresistible cheesy bite.
• Tomatoes (1 large or a handful of cherry tomatoes): They bring juicy sweetness and a burst of color—just chop or halve before mixing in.
• Zucchini (1 medium, shredded – about 2 cups): It adds fresh, mild flavor plus great color and a boost of veggies without overpowering the salad.
• Copycat Ranch Dressing: A dreamy blend of a ranch seasoning packet, mayonnaise, buttermilk, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder brings everything together. Homemade means maximum flavor!

Variations

One of the best things about Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is how endlessly customizable it is—swap in your favorite extras, adjust for dietary needs, or use what’s already in your fridge! Get creative with these easy twists:

• Lighten It Up: Use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayo, or try a light ranch dressing for a healthier spin.
• Veggie-Packed: Toss in chopped bell peppers, diced cucumbers, or sweet corn for even more vibrant crunch and color.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique cheesy punch.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta spirals so everyone can join the party!
• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or stir in sliced jalapeños if you love heat.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Homemade Ranch

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the ranch dressing packet, mayonnaise, buttermilk, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy—the flavors get even better as they sit, so set it aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Bacon and Prepare Chicken

Dice your bacon and cook it in a skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels. If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized cubes. Rotisserie chicken makes this even quicker!

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Cook your spiral pasta according to the package directions. As soon as it’s al dente, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking—this keeps it firm and perfect for salad!

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, crispy bacon, shredded zucchini, tomatoes, shredded cheddar, and your luscious homemade ranch dressing. Gently toss everything together until evenly combined and gloriously coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. This lets the flavors fully mingle—and means your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad will be extra cold and refreshing!

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, sprinkle the top with a little extra chopped crispy bacon, a handful of fresh chives or parsley, or even a bit more shredded cheddar right before serving. Not only do these garnishes add color and zip, but they also signal all those classic Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad flavors!

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs effortlessly with just about anything—serve alongside grilled burgers, juicy barbecue chicken, or sandwiches for a hearty lunch spread. For lighter fare, pair with crisp green salads or a simple fruit tray to let the salad shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in a big, beautiful bowl or individual mason jars for picnic or meal prep perfection. For parties, try spooning it into vibrant bell pepper halves or using mini cups for easy grab-and-go portions—so fun and striking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors continue to marry as it rests, making your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad taste even better the next day!

Freezing

Because of the creamy dressing and fresh veggies, this pasta salad doesn’t freeze well—the texture just isn’t the same once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, so make just what you’ll eat within a few days.

Reheating

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If it gets a little dry after refrigeration, stir in a splash of extra ranch or buttermilk to revive the creaminess before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a versatile, crave-worthy dish that brings everyone to the table smiling, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the way to go! It’s easy, utterly delicious, and always a hit. Give it a try—your family and friends will thank you!

Print