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Tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This cold pasta salad mixes juicy chicken, crispy bacon bits, chilled noodles, sweet peas, and fresh tomatoes with a cool, creamy ranch mix. The whole thing comes together fast—just toss it all, then stir in ranch, mayo, sour cream, and lots of black pepper for a yummy tang. Sprinkle bacon on top for extra crunch, and you can toss in some cheese if that’s your style. It’s a straight-up crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it gets, so you can make it quick for parties or a busy weeknight. Kids and adults dig it—it’s light, fresh, and super satisfying.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 23:52:21 GMT
Pasta salad loaded with bacon and veggies on the side. Bookmark
Pasta salad loaded with bacon and veggies on the side. | ioanacooks.com

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that always disappears first at potlucks and family cookouts. With juicy chicken crisp bacon and loads of fresh veggies all tossed together in a creamy savory ranch dressing this salad is hearty enough to be a main dish and fast enough for any busy weeknight.

I first whipped this up after a long day out with my kids and it instantly became a favorite. It is now my secret weapon for potlucks and summertime dinners because the flavors always win people over.

Ingredients

  • Small dry pasta: Pick sturdy shapes like rotini or penne to hold the dressing and stay firm
  • Diced or shredded cooked chicken: Use leftovers rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for best flavor
  • Frozen peas: Instantly sweet and easy to keep on hand just rinse with hot water
  • Diced tomatoes: Choose ripe and firm tomatoes for the brightest taste
  • Bacon: Cook until very crisp so it adds crunch and smoky depth
  • Bottled ranch dressing: Choose one you love or try homemade for extra richness
  • Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess and binds the dressing
  • Sour cream: Gives extra tang and rounds out the zippy dressing
  • Fresh cracked black pepper: Brings spice and complexity to the salad
  • Salt: Use just enough for balance and to wake up all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook and Prep Pasta:
Boil your pasta in well salted water until just al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely so the salad stays crisp
Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta diced chicken crispy bacon cooked peas and fresh tomatoes. Gently toss everything so each ingredient is evenly spread
Prep the Creamy Ranch Dressing:
In a medium bowl whisk together ranch dressing mayonnaise sour cream salt and black pepper until smooth and well blended. Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully mixed
Dress and Combine:
Pour the creamy dressing mixture over the pasta and chicken in the large bowl. Use a large spoon to gently fold and coat every ingredient. Be careful not to break up the pasta
Garnish and Chill:
If you want extra crunch sprinkle a little more bacon on top as garnish. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend. Stir again just before serving
Une salade de pâtes avec des bacon et des légumes verts. Bookmark
Une salade de pâtes avec des bacon et des légumes verts. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite part of this salad is the way smoky bacon and tangy ranch come together. My kids love to help with mixing and always sneak bacon bites so I sometimes make a double batch just for them. One summer picnic we devoured the whole bowl before the burgers were even done.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Stir before serving as the dressing may settle. If the salad seems a bit dry after sitting add a splash of milk or ranch to refresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out the chicken for turkey or even canned tuna if thats what you have. For a vegetarian version use roasted chickpeas or white beans instead of meat. Any small firm pasta will work so try bowties or shells if you want variety. If you do not eat bacon a smoky almond or sunflower seed can give crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad cold or at room temperature as a side for summer BBQ or as a main dish alongside simple fruit or bread. I also put scoops into lettuce cups for a lower carb meal. Leftovers are great packed in lunchboxes.

Une salade de pâtes avec des légumes et des morceaux de poulet et de bacon. Bookmark
Une salade de pâtes avec des légumes et des morceaux de poulet et de bacon. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Pasta salad became wildly popular in American kitchens by the 1980s and the chicken bacon ranch combo is a more recent twist that mirrors flavors of classic ranch chicken sandwiches and wraps. The combination of creamy ranch dressing with crisp bacon and juicy chicken is a truly American flavor that is now a staple at picnics and potlucks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken works best?

Just grab any cooked chicken—rotisserie is easy, or you can use strips or grilled. Cut it up or shred, whatever's easier for you.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yep! Try penne, bowtie, or rotini—pretty much any noodle you like will work great here.

→ How can I make it ahead?

You can get everything prepped and mixed a day before. Wait to pour on the dressing and toppings till you’re about to eat.

→ What cheese pairs well?

Sharp cheddar is awesome for a kick, or go for some blue cheese for punchy flavor.

→ How do I keep the salad creamy?

Stir in your dressing last minute and mix well. That way it stays super fresh and creamy till you dig in.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Ranch-dressed chicken, bacon, and veggies team up in this chilled, flavor-packed pasta bowl everyone loves.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
~
Overall Time
15 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 8 How Many It Serves

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Pasta and Proteins

Ingredient 01 200 g small pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
Ingredient 02 280 g cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Ingredient 03 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and diced

→ Vegetables

Ingredient 04 130 g frozen peas, thawed and cooked
Ingredient 05 150 g fresh tomatoes, diced

→ Creamy Dressing

Ingredient 06 120 ml bottled ranch dressing
Ingredient 07 30 ml mayonnaise
Ingredient 08 30 ml sour cream
Ingredient 09 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Ingredient 10 0.25 tsp salt

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled cooked pasta, diced chicken, bacon, peas, and tomatoes until evenly distributed.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, cracked black pepper, and salt until fully incorporated.

Step 03

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well coated.

Step 04

Garnish with additional bacon crumbles, if desired. Serve chilled.

Extra Tips

  1. Crispy chicken strips, poached chicken, or rotisserie leftovers all provide excellent protein options. Consider adding cheddar or blue cheese for extra flavor complexity.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Cooking pot
  • Colander

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and egg (mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 298
  • Total Fat: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 25 grams
  • Protein Amount: 18 grams