Are you ready to elevate your meal game with a dish that's as vibrant as it is satisfying? Meet the Chicken Pasta Salad with Bacon—a delightful fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing! This American classic combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only easy to make but also promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust us, once you try this dish, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool down quickly.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare chicken by shredding pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then shred.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan, let cool on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Wash and halve cherry tomatoes. Slice green onions thinly, discarding root and tough green ends.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and green onions.
- Pour ranch dressing over the mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal texture, cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Rinsing it with cold water afterward stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Chicken Choices: If you're short on time, using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. If you prefer raw chicken, season it well before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: For the best results, cook your bacon until it's nice and crispy. This not only adds a wonderful crunch to your salad but also prevents it from becoming soggy when mixed with the dressing.
- Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor! Use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh green onions for the best taste.
- Flavor Fusion: Allow your salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning! Taste your salad before serving and add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness if needed.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta salad is versatile! Serve it as a main dish, a side, or even pack it for lunch. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
