Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or a potluck favorite. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing, this salad delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken breasts, shredded (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
• 12 ounces gluten-free pasta
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 cups cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onions, sliced (pickled red onions optional)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 3/4 cup homemade ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded. You can grill, poach, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Step 2: Prepare the homemade ranch dressing and set it aside to chill while you continue.
3. Step 3: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, avocado, and ranch dressing.
6. Step 6: Toss all ingredients gently to coat evenly with the dressing. Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.

Tips & Variations

• Swap out cucumbers for bell peppers or celery for added crunch and variety.
• Use store-bought ranch dressing to save time, though homemade adds extra freshness.
• For extra flavor, toss the chicken in a bit of smoked paprika before mixing.
• Serve immediately or chill the salad to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a little extra ranch dressing if it seems dry. Avoid freezing, as the avocado and vegetables can become mushy upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, regular pasta works just as well if you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet. Cook it according to the package directions and cool before mixing.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

To slow browning, toss the diced avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. Also, store the salad in an airtight container and consume within a few days.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, creamy avocado, and a homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a flavorful lunch, this gluten-free pasta salad combines savory and fresh ingredients for a satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 pound cooked chicken breasts, shredded (about 2–3 chicken breasts)
• 6 slices bacon

Pasta

• 12 ounces gluten free pasta

Vegetables

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1–1/2 cups cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onions, sliced (can use pickled red onions)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced

Dressing

• 3/4 cup homemade ranch dressing

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are cooked and shredded. You can grill your chicken or use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease.
2. Make Ranch Dressing: Prepare the homemade ranch dressing by blending the ingredients thoroughly. Let it rest in the fridge while you continue with the other steps to develop flavors.
3. Cook Pasta: Boil the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until both sides are crispy. Remove from heat and transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onions, diced avocado, and the homemade ranch dressing. Mix everything well so the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste preference.
6. Store: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.

Notes

• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
• Substitute pickled red onions for a tangy twist.
• Adjust ranch dressing amount based on your preferred creaminess.
• This salad is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving if desired.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days.
• Gluten free pasta makes this recipe suitable for gluten sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, gluten free pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, ranch dressing salad, meal prep salad, summer pasta salad