Description
A flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combining tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing, perfect for a hearty and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounce pack spiral pasta (Wacky Pack Veggie Spiral Pack)
- 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 chopped tomato or a handful of cherry tomatoes chopped in half
- 6 pieces thick sliced bacon, diced and cooked well done
- 1 zucchini, shredded (about 2 cups)
Copycat Ranch Dressing
- 1 pack ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Ranch Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, buttermilk, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
- Cook Bacon: Place diced bacon pieces in a cold skillet over medium-low heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spiral pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta loose. Transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool.
- Prepare Chicken: If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cut into small cubes. If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step.
- Combine Ingredients: To the cooled pasta in the mixing bowl, add the chopped rotisserie chicken, shredded zucchini, chopped tomatoes, cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared ranch dressing. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing cooked pasta under cold water is crucial for a cold pasta salad to prevent overcooking and sticking.
- Use a large bowl for mixing all ingredients, then transfer to a serving dish if preferred after chilling.
- Starting bacon in a cold skillet ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked baked chicken cubes if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning of the ranch dressing according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
