Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad features chunks of rotisserie chicken, cheddar cheese and crispy bacon smothered in a homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, quick weekday dinners and entertaining.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, made with classic elbow macaroni, is a flavorful nod to one of our all-time favorite combinations. Perfect as a side or a main dish, it’s a convenient option to keep in the fridge for busy weekdays. Rotisserie chicken makes it even easier to make. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to quick, family-friendly meals. This pasta salad is no exception, it’s simple, satisfying, and delicious down to the very last bite.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Rotisserie or roasted chicken makes for quick and easy preparation.
• Bacon – Crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Pasta – Elbow macaroni is used as the pasta of choice for this recipe.
• Onion – Both green onions and red onion for texture and flavor.
• Tomatoes – Diced roma tomatoes hold up well to the salad dressing preventing it from becoming watery.
• Peppers – Red bell pepper and green bell pepper for flavor and crunch.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Ranch Salad Dressing – Mayo (your favorite brand), one 1 ounce package of dry buttermilk Ranch Dressing mix, buttermilk, garlic salt, fresh dill and lemon pepper.

How to Make the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

• Boil the Pasta – Cook the macaroni in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Mix-ins – In a large mixing bowl add cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, green onion and cheese. (reserve some bacon and green onion for garnishing)
• Make the Ranch Dressing – Whisk together Ranch seasoning mix, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, garlic salt and lemon pepper.
• Stir to Combine – Add the dressing to the pasta and toss to evenly coat and evenly distribute other ingredients.
• Chill Until Serving – Chill in an airtight container for at least 4 hours before serving.
• Garnish -Stir then serve garnished with reserved cheese, bacon and green onions. You could also use fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with Rotisserie Chicken

• A pasta cooker or large pot to cook the macaroni.
• Colander for draining the pasta well.
• Large bowl for mixing all of the ingredients together.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Large rubber spatula or spoon for mixing everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pasta – This pasta salad uses elbow macaroni as the base. That said, you could use any pasta or noodles such as a medium shell pasta, penne pasta, rotini pasta or even twisted macaroni (cavatappi pasta).
• Protein – You can use any kind of chicken to make this entrée salad. I typically use rotisserie chicken, but grilled chicken breasts, chicken poached in chicken broth or roasted chicken will all work.
• Should I make this chicken bacon ranch pasta salad in advance? Yes, it’s best to give it ample time in the refrigerator  for the salad to chill so the flavors can marry and become even more robust.
• What’s the best brand of ranch seasoning mix to use? You can use Hidden Valley or any private label brand that you enjoy.
• When to Add the Bacon – Please note, the bacon will soften a bit when you stir it into the mix. If you want to maintain the crunch of the bacon, mix it in just before serving and wait until then to garnish the top.
• How to Make Using One Pound of Macaroni? You can, just be prepared to adjust the dressing adding more mayonnaise and ranch seasoning to your taste.
• Cheese – While the flavor of cheddar cheese is my favorite for this kind of salad, you could use colby jack cheese, monterey jack, white cheddar or mozzarella cheese, if that’s your preference or what you have on hand.
• Mayo – You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise or light mayonnaise. You could also replace part of the mayo with sour cream.
• Dressing Shortcut – In a pinch, you can replace the homemade dressing for your favorite ranch dressing like Marzetti’s or similar.
• Lighter Options – To lighten-up this salad you may opt to use low fat mayonnaise, low fat buttermilk and turkey bacon.
• Vegetables – You could add celery or grape tomatoes in place of roma tomatoes.
• Try My Viral Recipe! Another way to enjoy these same flavors is my recipe Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls which remains a viral Pinterest sensation.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing pasta salads. The dressing can break down and separate when thawing.

More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes to Make

While we love this classic chicken bacon ranch flavor combination, the sky’s the limit with other pasta salad recipes to enjoy. A few other easy pasta recipes you may like to try for dinner tonight:

• Easy Homestyle Macaroni Salad is perfection for warm weather picnics and barbecues.
• My BLT Layered Pasta Salad is a meal in a bowl.
• Italian Penne Pasta Salad is packed with flavor.
• Tuna Macaroni Salad is perfect for light meals and snacking.
• Layered Southwestern Cheese Tortellini Salad is a meal in one!
• Italian Spaghetti Salad doubles as a light meal or a side dish.
• Rotini Pasta Salad from The Slow Roasted Italian.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Colander