Are you craving a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that screams summer freshness? Look no further! This Light Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch dressing in one mouthwatering dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is so easy and delectable that you'll want to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. If using leftover chicken, ensure it is diced into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly before dicing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and bacon bits. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped green onions to the bowl. These will add freshness and flavor to the salad.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to taste if desired. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning or dressing if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your Light Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Always rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Choose smaller pasta shapes like rotini or penne that can hold the dressing and mix easily with other ingredients.
- Feel free to customize by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumber for more crunch.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of traditional ranch dressing.
- Bacon bits can be store-bought or freshly cooked - both work great in this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
