Description
This Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing for a quick and satisfying meal. Ideal for potlucks or a relaxing dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli or rotini pasta
- 5 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes cut into halves
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Fresh parsley chopped, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ranch dressing ahead of time and chill it in the fridge if you are making it from scratch.
- Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil, then cook the pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cool water and drain it well.
- Slice the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Chop the onion, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley, and place them in a large salad bowl. Add the cooled pasta and crispy bacon.
- Mix everything together with the ranch dressing, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if desired. Season with salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.
Adjust the amount of ranch dressing according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
