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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad for Summer Fun

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 16 ounces Small Dried Pasta use fusilli or rotini
  • 6-8 strips Thick-Cut Bacon turkey bacon is a lighter option
  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken saves time
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes cherry tomatoes work just as well
  • ½ cup Chopped Green Onions shallots can be an interesting substitute
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese feel free to use a cheese of your choice
For the Dressing
  • 12 ounces Thick Ranch Dressing or switch to creamy Italian or Caesar dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or Rice Vinegar adds a touch of acidity
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • large spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool.
  2. Prepare Ingredients: Dice bacon, shred chicken, halve tomatoes, slice onions, and shred cheese. Set aside.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cooled pasta with diced bacon, chicken, tomatoes, green onions, and cheese. Mix gently.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour ranch dressing and lemon juice over ingredients. Toss gently until well coated.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled as a standalone meal or alongside grilled dishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added flavor and nutrition.

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