This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This simple chicken ranch pasta salad recipe is loaded with bacon and a delicious homemade ranch dressing. It’s ideal for BBQs or potlucks and is ready in only 30 minutes!
You may also like my Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta or Bacon Ranch Potato Salad next.
Why you’ll love it
I’m really happy with this pasta salad. It’s got that classic chicken-bacon-ranch combo that just works, and it’s simple as heck to make! It’ll hit the spot for last minute gatherings or anytime you’re craving a filling, hearty, and flavorful low-effort chicken pasta salad.
I use my homemade ranch dressing, and it’s really easy since there’s no buttermilk or blender needed. You just shake it up in a jar. It’s got that tasty herbaceous, tangy flavor in a good ranch dressing. It’s perfect in this pasta salad that has very few ingredients!
What you’ll need
- Pasta – I like fusilli or rotini (spirals) so that the dressing nicely coats every bite
- Bacon – for crispy, salty pops of goodness
- Red onion – this variety is perfect to add crunch to salads since it’s less sharp when raw
- Chicken – we’re using rotisserie for convenience, or try my Simple Air Fryer Roast Chicken or even leftover grilled chicken
- Tomatoes – little tomatoes (grape or cherry) add a fresh contrast
- Dressing – we’re using my creamy, classic Homemade Ranch Dressing
Pro tip
You can absolutely use your fave ranch dressing from a bottle or jar instead of my homemade one to save time! I’d never judge a shortcut.
How to make chicken ranch pasta salad
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Make the ranch dressing and refrigerate it until needed. Cook the pasta until al dente, then cool and drain it. Set aside. Meanwhile, cook the bacon bites until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
Prep and chop the remaining ingredients (and parsley if using) and then add to a large bowl. Add in the pasta and bacon when ready. Toss with the dressing, starting with less and adding more gradually to taste. Season with salt & pepper.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I like to use kitchen shears to cut up the bacon easily and a sharp chef’s knife for the onion.
- If you’re making my from-scratch ranch dressing, shake it up in one of these mason jars.
- I store uncooked pasta in one of these airtight pantry containers vs. the box for freshness.
Substitutions and variations
- If you want it to have more of a spicy southwest flavor, try my Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing instead (also a reader favorite).
- I kept this pasta salad recipe pretty simple, so you could always add in some extras like cheese if you wish. I do like adding a bit of chopped parsley to brighten the salad up a bit, but it’s optional if you don’t have any. It’s a forgiving salad!
What to serve with ranch chicken pasta salad
- It’s a good one to take to potlucks! Serve it alongside other favorites like my Deviled Eggs, literally the Best Coleslaw (try it with Pulled Pork sandwiches), my Easy Macaroni Salad or loaded Easy Broccoli Salad, and this crave-worthy Waldorf Salad.
- I love it with backyard grilling recipes like my tasty Easy Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp, or Best Ground Chicken Burgers. Wash it all down with some southern-style Sweet Tea.
- Dessert calls for this Snickers Salad or Classic Ambrosia Salad!
Leftovers and storage
- You can store leftovers of this chicken pasta salad for 3-4 days in the fridge in a covered container, but be mindful that it will dry out a bit and the pasta may soften up over time.
- If making the whole thing ahead of time, store the dressing separately and wait to toss until serving.
- As with most salads, I don’t recommend freezing any component of this one.
If you made this chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, it would be fantastic if you left a star rating and review below! Or tag me on Instagram with any of your S&L creations.
Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli or rotini pasta
- 5 strips bacon cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes cut into halves
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use my recipe or bottled)
- Fresh parsley chopped, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- If making my ranch dressing, do that first and then keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook according to package directions and rinse the pasta under cool water once it's cooked. Let it drain thoroughly.
- Meanwhile, cut the bacon up into small pieces (I use kitchen shears to make it easy). Cook until crispy and then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate.
- Prep your onion, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley (if using), and add them to a large salad bowl. Add the pasta and bacon when they’re ready to go.
- Toss with the dressing (start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed) and season with salt & pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill first.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
This recipe was originally published on August 27, 2018. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
My husband and I loved this! Nice and easy and used up my rotisserie chicken too. I added some grated cheddar cheese as well.
Thanks, Jo-Anne! 😀
Made this recipe and added 1/2 c finely Sliced sweet peppers and 1 c finely diced cheddar cheese.
ALSO made of Gluten free by using GF pasta!
Sounds good to me!
You had me at bacon. This looks awesome!
Haha thanks!!
This pasta salad looks absolutely good! Love all the ingredients, especially bacon. And perfect for the upcoming Labor Day weekend too or weeknight dinners.
Thanks so much, Linda!
I think I could live off of pasta salads and ranch so I’m in! I also love that you got to meet Mary Ann!
Yay! Thanks, me too… I was so happy I remembered she lives there!
totally going to try your ranch dressing recipe! love this pasta salad!
Thanks, Alice! Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
I had so much fun meeting you and your sister Natasha! And I’m so glad you all enjoyed Philly! I’ll be trying this pasta salad for sure. What a great salad for the holiday weekend. And I’m so into using the rotisserie chicken. So juicy and so easy!
It was great meeting you!! And thanks for showing us the market… we went back twice haha. Hope you love this pasta salad, Mary Ann! 🙂
I’m always on board when there is bacon involved! Loved following your trip to Philly on instagram. I’ve always wanted to go there but haven’t had a chance yet.
Thank you!! You definitely should. It was a lot of fun. 🙂