Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – a creamy and refreshing cold pasta dish that brings together shredded chicken, crisp bacon, and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned with a homemade ranch seasoning blend. Perfect for lunch or as a crowd-pleasing side at dinner gatherings, this pasta salad is a delightful way to savor the goodness of ranch-infused goodness. If you’re a fan of cold pasta salads, also try our Italian Pasta Salad loaded with fresh ingredients.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
Prepare your taste buds for a burst of ranch flavor that complements the goodness of shredded chicken, bacon, and a colorful array of veggies in this delightful pasta salad. Whether you’re enjoying it as a satisfying lunch or serving it at a get-together, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Main Ingredients:
- Dry ranch seasoning – Opt for a homemade ranch seasoning mix or use a store-bought packet.
- Rotisserie chicken – Shred your own or grab pre-shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Mayonnaise – Feel free to use your favorite brand or try it with homemade mayo.
- Since this is a cold pasta salad, ensure all ingredients are chilled before mixing.
Cooking the Pasta Al Dente
Choosing the right pasta is crucial for a perfect pasta salad. Opt for short pasta with nooks and crannies to absorb the dressing effectively. Dry pasta is recommended, as it holds up better in the dish compared to delicate fresh pasta. Cook the pasta just past al dente, ensuring it’s not mushy. Rinse in cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping – a step crucial for cold salads.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Now that the pasta is cooled, let’s get this delicious salad mixed and ready to serve. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, dry ranch seasoning, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Add the cold pasta, shredded chicken, chopped bacon, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and green pepper. Toss everything together, ensuring a well-coated blend. If serving as the main course, pair it with dinner rolls or roasted parmesan green beans. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy – it keeps well for 3-5 days.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 3 tablespoons (1 package) dry ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 box (16 ounces / 454 g) Gemelli pasta, cooked al dente and cooled completely
- 3 cups (about 450 g) Rotisserie chicken, shredded and cold
- 12 slices bacon, chopped and crisply cooked
- 2 cups (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 can (15.25 ounces / 432 g) corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (about 60 g) green pepper, diced
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cold pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and green pepper. Toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are cold.
