Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a comforting and easy-to-make dish packed with flavors of chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta Preparation
- 8 ounces short pasta, uncooked provides structure and absorbs flavors
Protein & Toppings
- 1/2 pound bacon adds a crispy texture and smoky flavor
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped rotisserie chicken works well, offers protein and satisfying texture
- 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded contributes creaminess and robust flavor
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped adds freshness and mild onion flavor
Dressing
- 1 1/4 cups ranch dressing binds the ingredients together with a creamy and tangy taste
Instructions
Pasta Cooking
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked short pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Bacon Preparation
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until desired crispness. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, break into pieces.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, broken bacon pieces, chopped chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Adding Dressing
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
Storage
- Transfer the pasta salad into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions as desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Adjust ranch dressing to your taste for creaminess. Optional vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes can be added for freshness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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