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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are cooked and shredded. You can grill your chicken or use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease.
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.
Cook Pasta: Boil the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
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.
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.
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