Description

Enjoy a delightful Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad that’s packed with flavor, featuring rotini pasta, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, making it ideal for quick dinners or meal prep.

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/rotisserie chicken
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes cut into halves
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Fresh parsley chopped, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the ranch dressing in advance if using homemade, and refrigerate until needed.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain it under cool water.
Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease.
Chop the onion, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley (if using) and add them to a large salad bowl. Mix in the pasta and cooked bacon.
Toss everything with ranch dressing, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if desired, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, use a reduced-fat ranch dressing.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg