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Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad with creamy ranch, tomatoes, bacon, chicken, and red onion in a white bowl
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Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad with tender chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and ranch dressing. Quick, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, potlucks, or an easy summer 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 or rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until just tender. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and let it drain thoroughly.
  2. Crisp the bacon. Add the chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
  3. Combine the salad. Add the cooled pasta, red onion, shredded chicken, tomatoes, and most of the bacon to a large bowl.
  4. Dress and toss. Pour in the ranch dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for about 30 minutes if you prefer the salad cold.
  5. Finish and serve. Sprinkle with the remaining bacon and fresh parsley, then serve.

Notes

Use pasta that is fully cooled and well drained so the ranch stays creamy instead of becoming thin. Rotisserie chicken makes this especially quick. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, and stir in a little extra ranch if the pasta seems dry.

Keywords: chicken ranch pasta salad

Find it online: https://thesavorymama.com/chicken-ranch-pasta-salad/