Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Saladis our favorite pasta salad recipe – it comes together in about 20 minutes and the whole family loves it. Hosting a barbecue soon? You’ve found the perfect side salad!

Let’s be honest, summering is fun but it’s tiring (I know I’m not the only mama who’s exhausted by dinnertime).This pasta salad is kind of a one pot meal because it has your pasta, some veggies, and protein all in one bowl, which means that you only need to slice a little watermelon to go on the side and dinner is done.Bonus points if you grill up some zucchini to go with it.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is full of peas, bacon,chicken, fresh tomatoes, and just the right amount of creamy sauce that all come together to make the most delicious creamy pasta salad that is just perfect for a simple summer dinner. This is the perfect dish to take to a party or to enjoy on outside eating al fresco.Next time you are in need of a quick and delicious meal, whip up this pasta salad.

A large bowl of chicken bacon ranch pasta salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Meal: With protein from the chicken and bacon, carbs from the pasta, AND the veggies, this recipe has everything you need in it.
Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch are likely to be a hit with picky eaters, making it easier to please everyone at the dinner table.
Easy to Make: It’s a great option for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Pasta:you want a small variety of dry pasta like small shells, rotini, penne, etc.
Frozen Peas
Tomato
Green Onion
Cooked Chicken
Cooked Crumbled Bacon
Mayonnaise
Sour Cream
Ranch seasoning
Salt & Pepper

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is our favorite pasta salad recipe that comes together in about 20 minutes and the whole family loves it.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Step #1.Cook the pasta to al dente, then drain and rinse under cool water. Place in a large bowl.

Step #3.In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Add to the pasta mixture.

Step #2.Add the peas, bacon, chicken, tomato, and onion to the pasta.

Step #4.Stir until everything is well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use for this pasta salad?

Use whatever chicken you like/have. I cooked up some crispy chicken strips for this batch of pasta salad and it was so good (and so easy!). You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or just about any other kind that you like or have.

How many people will Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad serve?

This dish will serve 4 as a main dish or 6-8 as a side. This makes a great side to take to any party, picnic, or cookout! It’s great with steak, grilled corn and avocado salad, and just about any other summer food you’d like.

What pasta should I use when making pasta salad?

You can use whatever pasta you like or have on hand. I prefer to use bowtie pasta or rotini but you can use whatever you’d like.

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp.You don’t want it to get soggy!
Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix –broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or even some bell pepper would be yummy.
If you’re taking this a pot luck, a little garnish of fresh parsley, chives, or green onion would look nice.