Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish combines tender chicken, crisp bacon, and high-protein pasta with a creamy ranch dressing. Fresh romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, and green onions add crunchy and savory notes, while a sprinkle of salad seasoning boosts flavor. Topped with chopped croutons for extra texture, this pasta is an ideal choice for meal prep or a chilled midday meal. Simply cook the chicken and bacon, toss with cooked pasta, cheese, and vegetables, then finish with ranch and crunchy toppings before serving. For best texture, add lettuce and croutons just before eating.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:49:50 GMT
A bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. Save
A bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. | lilicooks.com

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is my go-to when I want a crowd-pleaser that feels a bit like comfort food but still delivers on freshness and crunch. It is that magical blend of creamy ranch, savory bacon, juicy chicken, and crisp lettuce—salad and pasta salad all in one hearty bowl that comes together in just over half an hour.

I first tossed this together after a holiday using leftover chicken and now my family asks for it at every picnic or backyard dinner. The combo of crunchy bacon and cool ranch always gets rave reviews from friends.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast or tenderloins: gives protein and heartiness select fresh or lean cuts for best texture
  • Romaine lettuce: provides crunch and freshness choose bright green hearts for extra crispness
  • Bacon: adds smoky salty punch use thick-cut for more flavor
  • Rotini or fusili pasta: soaks up dressing and gives structure high protein or whole grain are great choices if you want extra nutrition
  • Cheddar cheese: shredded for richness look for sharp cheddar to balance the creamy dressing
  • Green onions: bring brightness and color fresh spring green parts are best
  • Ranch dressing: ties everything together make homemade for more control or pick a favorite store brand
  • Poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning: enhances the chicken pick a blend with garlic and herbs for more depth
  • Salad Supreme seasoning: gives a classic deli salad taste it is optional but adds zing
  • Croutons: add crunch right before serving go for bakery-style for best crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:
Dice bacon strips and add to a large pan. Cook gently over low heat until crisp which usually takes about ten to twelve minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Leave about two tablespoons pan drippings for extra flavor.
Season and Cook Chicken:
Rub diced chicken with olive oil and coat well in poultry or Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the same skillet over medium-low heat. Sear for about three to four minutes per side until fully cooked and golden outside. Rest chicken for a few minutes and then dice.
Boil and Drain Pasta:
While chicken cooks bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente which should take about eight minutes. Rinse under cool water to stop cooking and drain thoroughly so salad is not watery.
Combine Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl combine cooked pasta cubed chicken shredded cheddar crisp bacon and diced green onions. Pour over most of the ranch dressing and toss thoroughly to coat every bite.
Season the Salad:
Shake in Salad Supreme and toss again for that extra deli-style tang. Add more seasoning to your taste preference.
Finish with Fresh and Crunchy Toppings:
Just before serving add shredded romaine croutons and the reserved ranch. Toss everything gently to incorporate the greens and retain the crunch from the croutons.
A bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. Save
A bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. | lilicooks.com

There is something about good cheddar in this salad that wins everyone over. I remember my grandmother always insisted on using extra-sharp cheddar for salads like this so the flavor would not get lost. That tanginess is still my favorite part of every bite.

Storage Tips

Keep pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Always store lettuce and croutons separately to avoid sogginess. If making ahead for work or school lunches add greens and croutons just before serving for max crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the pasta for gluten-free or chickpea pasta if needed. Turkey bacon or rotisserie chicken will also work well if you need a shortcut or want to lower the fat. Greek yogurt ranch makes a lighter version that still tastes delicious.

A bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. Save
A bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Eat straight from the fridge for lunch or serve as a potluck side. It goes perfectly with watermelon or a wedge of fresh tomato in the summer. I have even packed it into wraps for an easy on-the-go meal.

Background of the Dish

Pasta salad like this is a classic American potluck staple but this twist with chicken bacon and ranch brings together all the best flavors of a loaded sandwich in salad form. It is inspired by the deli counter favorites in Midwestern cafes where hearty meets refreshing every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water, drain thoroughly, and toss with a small amount of dressing just before serving to preserve texture.

→ What chicken cut works best?

Diced chicken breasts or tenderloins are ideal as they stay tender and cook quickly for even distribution in each bite.

→ Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Yes, prepare all components, but store romaine and croutons separately. Mix in just before eating to keep them crisp.

→ Is homemade ranch necessary?

Store-bought ranch works well, but homemade ranch brings fresher flavor and allows you to control seasoning and tanginess.

→ What can I use instead of rotini?

Fusili, penne, or bowtie pasta also work well, ensuring the dressing clings to the noodles for maximum flavor.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch-dressed pasta come together for a flavorful and easy lunch.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced into 2-inch pieces
02 7 oz romaine lettuce, shredded
03 8 strips bacon, diced
04 8 oz dry rotini or fusilli pasta (high protein or whole grain can be used)
05 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
06 5 green onions, diced
07 3/4 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
08 1-2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (e.g., Weber Kick'n Chicken or Italian seasoning)
09 Pinch of Perfect Salad Supreme seasoning, to taste
10 1/2 cup croutons, roughly chopped

→ Low-Fat Greek Yogurt Ranch (Optional)

11 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
12 1 teaspoon dried dill
13 1 teaspoon dried chives
14 1 teaspoon dried parsley
15 1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 1 teaspoon onion powder
17 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
19 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
20 1-2 tablespoons buttermilk or milk, as needed

Steps

Step 01

In a large pan, cook the bacon over low heat until crispy. Set aside. Remove half of the pan drippings, leaving behind 2 tablespoons.

Step 02

Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season liberally with poultry seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Step 03

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Rinse the cooked pasta with cool water and drain well.

Step 04

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, shredded cheddar, bacon, and green onions. Pour over most of the ranch dressing, reserving some. Toss the ingredients well and sprinkle in Salad Supreme seasoning to taste.

Step 05

When ready to serve, add the shredded romaine lettuce, croutons, and extra ranch dressing to the bowl. Toss everything together and serve.

Tips

  1. For meal prep, do not add the romaine and croutons until ready to serve. Pack the pasta salad in a container and store the romaine separately in a zip-top bag.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, ranch dressing)
  • Contains gluten (pasta, croutons)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 30 g