This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. It's loaded with tender chunks of chicken, crispy bacon, rotini pasta, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to prep in advance—a perfect summer classic with a twist of protein-packed deliciousness!

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or preferred short pasta)

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded

• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced (optional)

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ¾ to 1 cup ranch dressing (adjust to your liking)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the ingredients: While pasta cooks, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble. Chop or shred cooked chicken, slice tomatoes, dice cucumber and onion.

3. Mix everything together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.

4. Add dressing: Pour ranch dressing over the mixture. Toss well until everything is evenly coated. Start with ¾ cup and add more if desired.

5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or chives before serving for added color and flavor.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~550

• Protein: 27g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 32g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: ~800mg