This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is creamy, hearty, and packed with bold, familiar flavors. Tender pasta, tossed with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich ranch dressing. It’s the kind of cold pasta salad that works just as well for a quick dinner as it does for potlucks, cookouts, or meal prep. For another cold pasta salad, make sure to check out our BLT Pasta Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is a filling, flavor-packed pasta salad that comes together quickly using simple ingredients. The combination of chicken and bacon makes it hearty, while the ranch dressing ties everything together with a creamy, tangy finish. It’s easy to make ahead and holds up well in the fridge.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing to keep the dressing stays creamy.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor, but Roasted Chicken can also be used
- Cook the bacon until crispy so it holds its texture in the salad.
- Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
How to Serve
Serve chilled as a main dish or side. It pairs well with:
- Grilled or Slow Cooked Meats (like our 2 ingredient pulled pork)
- Cheeseburgers or Wraps
- Fresh fruit or a light side salad
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the dressing.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 3 tablespoons chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces gemelli pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded and cold
- 10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup green pepper, diced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and green pepper.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
This recipe is based on iamhomesteaders Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
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