The Ultimate Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for easy gatherings, bringing together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, all tossed with pasta and colorful vegetables. This creamy pasta salad recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces of rotini or your favorite pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and bell pepper. Toss gently to distribute them evenly.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss until everything is well coated with the dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.
