Quick & Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Published: May 5, 2025 · Modified: Apr 14, 2025 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

A delicious and creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad packed full of flavour! This easy-to-make recipe is a perfect side dish for BBQs, family gatherings, or a quick midweek meal.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing.

The beauty of this pasta salad recipe is that you can prepare many of the ingredients ahead of time. Then, you can simply combine the salad and dress it prior to serving.

My tortellini pasta salad with pesto is another fresh Italian-style dish full of zesty basil flavours. A simple creamy pasta salad with mayo pairs well with absolutely anything! It’s perfect for serving at any gathering, along with my popular creamy pesto potato salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy pasta salad recipe is a great option for those busy days when you need something tasty but fuss-free.
• Full of Flavour – The smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and creamy ranch dressing make every bite a delight.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go meal.
• Versatile – Easily adaptable to suit your preferences with different veggies or protein options.

What You Need

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Ingredients

• Uncooked pasta – Bow-tie or spirals work best as they hold the dressing well and add a great texture.
• Streaky bacon – Crispy bacon adds a delicious smoky, savoury crunch to the salad.
• Cooked chicken breast or thigh – A great way to use leftover chicken or BBQ rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
• Red onion – Adds a mild bite and a touch of colour to the salad. You could substitute with spring onions / green onions too.
• Cherry tomatoes – These juicy, sweet tomatoes balance out the savoury elements perfectly.
• Cucumber – Fresh and crunchy, cucumber helps to keep the salad light and refreshing.
• Green capsicum – Adds a subtle sweetness and crisp texture. Capsicums are also known as bell peppers in the US.
• Grated cheddar or tasty cheese – A rich and creamy element that ties the dish together.
• Ranch dressing—The star of the dish, store-bought ranch dressing adds creaminess and flavour to every bite. Alternatively, you could make your own ranch dressing using sour cream, mayonnaise, herbs, and seasonings.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, season, and enhance all the flavours.

Equipment Required

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• A large pot for cooking the pasta
• A colander for draining the pasta
• A frying pan for cooking the bacon
• A sharp knife and chopping board for prepping the ingredients
• A large bowl for combining everything
• A spoon or spatula for mixing the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1: Prepare The Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook The Bacon

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Mix The Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the crispy bacon, diced chicken, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green capsicum, and grated cheese.

Toss all ingredients to evenly distribute, reserving a little cooked bacon and grated cheese to sprinkle over the top.

Step 4: Add Dressing

Drizzle three-quarters of the ranch dressing over the salad and gently mix until everything is well coated.

Taste and add extra dressing if needed. Season your chicken pasta salad with salt and pepper to your liking.

Finally, sprinkle the reserved bacon and cheese on top.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

This delicious pasta salad is best enjoyed at room temperature for the best flavour and texture. If you’ve prepared it beforehand, allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Type of Pasta: Bow-tie (farfalle) or spirals work well, but penne or macaroni are great alternatives. Be sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it tender yet firm.
• Chicken Options: Use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly pan-fry some chicken breasts or chicken strips for this recipe.
• Extra Add-Ins: For extra flavour and texture, try adding avocado, black olives, shredded lettuce, or even corn.
• Make It Lighter: Swap out the full-fat ranch for a light version, or mix half ranch and half Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing or for personal preference.
• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, parmesan cheese, or feta for a different flavour twist.

FAQs

Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not suitable for freezing as the texture of the pasta and dressing changes.
• Make Ahead: Prepare everything ahead, but add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a standalone main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a crusty bread roll for a more substantial meal.
• Enjoy as a side dish at your next BBQ, picnic, or family gathering.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is guaranteed to be a huge hit with the whole family! Creamy and savoury, with tender pasta and full of fresh ingredients, this easy pasta salad recipe is the ultimate meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

For more easy salad recipes, check out these tasty summer salads, which are always popular. Any leftover pasta salad makes a fabulous lunch the next day, too!

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