If youâre looking for a hearty, flavor-packed pasta salad thatâs just as perfect for a summer cookout as it is for a weekday lunch, this Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is going to be your new go-to!
Itâs creamy, savory, and loaded with all the things we loveâcheddar cheese, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken. Oh, and did I mention it comes together in under 30 minutes?
Whether youâre meal prepping for the week or whipping up a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this salad does not disappoint.
If you love bold, easy pasta salads like this, youâll definitely want to check out my Cold Mexican Rice Salad or this fan-favorite Chicken Pesto Pasta Saladâtheyâre just as tasty and just as simple!
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The ingredients
Rotini Pasta: The twists hold onto the creamy dressing perfectly. Penne or bowties also work well.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut here, but any leftover cooked chicken will work.
Bacon: Cook it crispy! It adds texture and smoky flavor that balances the creamy ranch beautifully.
Sour Cream: Full-fat is best for richness, but light sour cream can be used.
Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought packets are quick, but you can also use homemade ranch mix.
Cheddar: I recommend shredding it yourself for better texture and melt.
Veggies: Donât skip the bell pepperâit adds crunch and color.
For quantities see recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
1. Prep Your Veggies
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the yellow bell pepper. Set them aside while you prep the dressing and other ingredients.
2. Mix the Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked rotini, shredded chicken, chopped bacon, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Pour the ranch dressing over everything and gently toss until every bite is evenly coated.
4. Garnish and Serve
Top with extra bacon crumbles and fresh parsley if youâre feeling fancy. Serve it chilled or at room tempâitâs delicious either way.
Expert Tips
- Toss While Pastaâs Warm: Mixing the salad while the pasta is still slightly warm helps the cheese melt a bit and everything blend beautifully.
- Chill Before Serving: While you can serve it right away, letting it chill for 30â60 minutes helps the flavors marry.
- Double the Dressing: If you like it extra creamy, consider doubling the sour cream and seasoning combo!
Easy Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeĂąos or a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
- Add Avocado: Diced avocado adds a buttery, creamy contrast thatâs totally dreamy.
- Make It a Wrap: Spoon it into tortillas or lettuce wraps for a fun lunch twist.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to add protein and a tangier flavor.
What to Serve With It
This salad is pretty much a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Garlic breadsticks
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Iced tea or lemonade on a warm day!
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep everything a day aheadâjust keep the dressing separate and toss before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The texture of the pasta and dressing wonât hold up after thawing.
FAQ
Yes! Bowties, penne, or shells work great.
You can mix dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt for a quick DIY ranch blend.
Definitely! Just store it in individual containers and itâs a grab-and-go lunch dream.
Recipe
Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Chefâs knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked rotini pasta about 2½ cups uncooked
- 1½ cups cooked chicken diced or shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ž cup cooked bacon chopped (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- ž cup sour cream
- 1 packet (28g) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the yellow bell pepper. Set them aside while you prep the dressing and other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked rotini, shredded chicken, chopped bacon, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Pour the ranch dressing over everything and gently toss until every bite is evenly coated.
- Top with extra bacon crumbles and fresh parsley if youâre feeling fancy. Serve it chilled or at room tempâitâs delicious either way.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Donât overcook the pastaâal dente holds up better in creamy dressings.
- Great for cookouts, family dinners, or easy lunches all week long.
Sophie Viau says
This isnât your average pasta salad. Itâs rich and creamy thanks to the sour cream-based ranch dressing, with pops of freshness from cherry tomatoes and a satisfying crunch from bell peppers. The shredded cheddar melts slightly into the warm pasta, and the smoky bacon and chicken bring in that comforting, hearty vibe that makes this a full meal.