This Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and satisfying lunch. With simple ingredients and a burst of fresh flavors, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 5 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- 1 dry pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package guidelines. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Place the items on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining grease.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped red onion, cooked chicken, grape tomatoes, and crispy bacon.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler salad.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy ranch dressing ties together the bold flavors of the chicken, bacon, and fresh vegetables, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Serve it as a main course or a side dish for a truly versatile meal.
Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Meal in a Bowl
A creamy and satisfying pasta salad featuringchicken, bacon, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing dish that’sperfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 5 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken e.g., rotisserie chicken
- 1 dry pint grape tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing store-bought or homemade
- Fresh parsley chopped, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package guidelines. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set it aside.
- Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Place the items on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining grease.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped red onion, cooked chicken, grape tomatoes, and crispy bacon.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler salad.