Description
This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with juicy seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, tender rotini pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh romaine lettuce, all tossed in a delicious ranch dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, or an easy family dinner, this satisfying pasta salad is packed with flavor and comes together in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into 2-inch pieces
8 ounces dry rotini or fusilli pasta
8 strips bacon, diced
7 ounces romaine lettuce, shredded
6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
5 green onions, diced
3/4 cup ranch dressing, homemade or store-bought
1–2 tablespoons poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salad Supreme seasoning, to taste (approximately 8–10 shakes)
1/2 cup croutons, roughly chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon: Add diced bacon to a large skillet over low heat. Cook until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Carefully remove excess grease, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1–2 tablespoons of poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the reserved bacon drippings over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cool running water, and allow to drain thoroughly.
5. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green onions.
6. Add the Dressing: Pour approximately 1/2 cup ranch dressing over the mixture, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup. Toss gently until evenly coated. Sprinkle with Salad Supreme seasoning to taste.
7. Add Fresh Ingredients: Just before serving, add the shredded romaine lettuce and chopped croutons. Drizzle with the remaining ranch dressing and gently toss.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best crunchy texture, or refrigerate the prepared components separately until ready to assemble.
Notes
Pasta Options: Rotini, fusilli, penne, or bow-tie pasta work perfectly. Use whole-grain or high-protein pasta for additional fiber or protein.
Chicken Shortcut: Substitute approximately 3–4 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
Extra Creaminess: Add 2–3 tablespoons of additional ranch dressing if the salad seems dry.
Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until golden and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Fresh Lettuce: Add romaine lettuce immediately before serving to prevent wilting.
Croutons: Keep croutons separate until serving so they remain crunchy.
Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken, bacon, and pasta up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate promptly and assemble before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The lettuce and croutons may soften.
Variations: Add cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, cucumbers, or sweet corn for extra flavor and color.
Food Safety: Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) and refrigerate perishable ingredients within 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
