Pin it
This chicken bacon ranch pasta salad combines all your favorite flavors into one satisfying dish that's perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep throughout the week. The creamy ranch dressing, savory bacon, and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
I first made this pasta salad for a neighborhood block party, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now it's become my signature potluck contribution, and I always come home with an empty bowl and recipe requests.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Provides the hearty base, choose your favorite shape but short pasta like rotini or bow ties works best to hold the dressing
- Sour cream: Creates a rich tangy base for the homemade ranch dressing
- Half and half: Adds creaminess while keeping the dressing pourable
- Mayonnaise: Contributes richness and helps the dressing cling to the pasta
- Ranch seasoning packet: Delivers that classic flavor everyone loves without measuring multiple spices
- Dried dill: Enhances the ranch flavor with its distinctive herbal note
- Rotisserie chicken: Saves time while adding protein and savory flavor
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold flavor and creamy texture, look for block cheese and cube it yourself for the best taste
- Red onion: Provides a pop of color and mild bite that balances the creamy elements
- Bacon: Brings irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture, cook it until properly crisp for best results
- Cherry tomatoes: Add freshness and juicy bursts of flavor, select bright firm tomatoes
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, and green onions brighten the whole dish with color and fresh flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta in heavily salted water until just al dente, about 8 minutes or according to package directions. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid from the dressing so avoid overcooking. Immediately toss cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking then spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing:
- Whisk together sour cream, 1 cup half and half, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. The dressing should have a pourable but thick consistency that will coat the pasta. If making ahead, note that it will thicken in the refrigerator; reserve the extra half cup of half and half to thin as needed before assembling.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, rotisserie chicken, cubed cheddar, red onion, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and all fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over everything using enough to generously coat all ingredients but not so much that it pools at the bottom. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated, ensuring every bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.
Pin it
The bacon truly makes this dish special. I always cook a few extra pieces because inevitably several disappear while I'm preparing the rest of the ingredients. For the best flavor, cook the bacon until properly crisp then let it cool completely before crumbling to maintain that wonderful texture contrast with the creamy pasta.
Make Ahead Tips
This pasta salad is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the entire salad up to 24 hours before serving or prep components separately for even longer storage. The dressing can be made up to three days ahead and stored separately. If making the complete salad ahead, reserve a small portion of the dressing to refresh the pasta just before serving as it will absorb liquid while sitting.
Pin it
Customization Options
The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its adaptability. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Add vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. Switch up the protein with smoked turkey, diced ham, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. The cheese can be swapped for pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella pearls for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta salad as a complete meal on its own or as part of a larger spread. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially burgers or chicken. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad. During summer months, this makes an excellent picnic dish since the mayo based dressing is mixed with sour cream making it more stable at outdoor temperatures than traditional mayo only salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. The dressing will thicken in the refrigerator, so you may need to add extra half and half before serving to reach your desired consistency.
- → What pasta shape works best for this dish?
Medium-sized pasta shapes that hold dressing well are ideal - try rotini, farfalle (bow ties), penne, or medium shells. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or delicate pasta that might break easily.
- → Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can use any cooked chicken - grilled chicken breasts, leftover roast chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon and add extra vegetables.
- → How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.
- → What can I serve with this pasta salad?
This hearty pasta salad works as a complete meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh fruit, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- → Can I use a different cheese in this pasta salad?
Yes! While sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, you can substitute monterey jack, colby, pepper jack, or mozzarella. For extra tanginess, consider adding some crumbled feta or blue cheese.