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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch dressing

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A creamy and hearty salad that combines pasta, chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz rotini pasta Can substitute with bowties or shells.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken.
  • 1 cup bacon, cooked and chopped Reserve some for topping.
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Use a brand you prefer.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Add sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber For crunch.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds cheesy flavor.
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced For a light bite.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice For brightness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
  3. Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
Chilling
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serving
  1. Just before serving, stir the salad again and sprinkle the reserved bacon on top.

Notes

This salad can be made the night before for best flavor. Keep some extra dressing on hand to refresh the salad before serving.