Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad is the ultimate comforting yet light dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy homemade ranch dressing. It’s ideal for summer picnics, barbecues, or a relaxed lunch with friends and family. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying

The combination of juicy chicken, savory bacon, crisp veggies, and creamy ranch dressing makes this pasta salad a flavor-packed dish that will satisfy your taste buds. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but also works well as a side dish.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

This recipe is simple and quick, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish. The homemade ranch dressing is easy to make, or you can opt for store-bought dressing to save time. Either way, it’s an effortless dish that’s perfect for busy days.

Versatile

Feel free to customize this pasta salad to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, use leftover chicken, or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. The flexibility of this dish makes it adaptable to any taste.

Ingredients & Substitutions

250 g Cooked Pasta (about 8 oz): Any short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini, works well. You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed.
2 Cooked Chicken Breasts: Grilled or roasted chicken works best. If you have leftover roast chicken, this is a great way to use it up. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
6 Grilled Streaky Bacon Rashers: Bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor. You can use turkey bacon or leave it out for a lighter version.
4 Spring Onions: Fresh and mild in flavor, spring onions add a nice crunch. You can substitute with regular onions or green onions.
10 Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, but you can use regular tomatoes, diced, if you prefer.
1/4 Cucumber: Adds freshness and crunch. You can substitute with bell peppers or even avocado for a creamier texture.
1 Red Pepper: Red bell pepper provides a slight sweetness and vibrant color. You can swap it for yellow or orange bell peppers.
100 g Cheddar Cheese (about 1 cup): Cheddar adds richness to the salad. Feel free to substitute with mozzarella or a sharp cheese like parmesan.

For the ranch dressing:

200 g Mayonnaise (about 3/4 cup): Mayonnaise is the base of the dressing. You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
100 ml Sour Cream (about 1/2 cup): Sour cream gives the dressing a tangy flavor. You can substitute with more mayo or a dairy-free option.
2 tablespoons Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness. You can substitute with cilantro or dill for a different flavor.
2 tablespoons Dill: Dill complements the ranch dressing perfectly, but you can use basil or thyme if you prefer.
1 Lemon (juice only): Lemon juice brightens up the dressing. You can substitute with vinegar if needed.
1 Garlic Clove: Fresh garlic adds a savory kick. You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the ranch dressing:
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Combine the pasta and ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chicken chunks, grilled bacon pieces, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, and grated cheddar cheese.
Toss with ranch dressing:
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated.
Chill and serve:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs or cheese if desired.

How to Serve Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is great on its own as a light meal, but you can also pair it with grilled meats, a fresh salad, or some crispy bread for a more filling meal. It’s also perfect for a barbecue or a picnic.

How to Store Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The pasta salad will stay fresh, but the vegetables may release moisture over time. If you’re not serving it immediately, save a little extra dressing to stir in just before serving.

Tips to Make Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad

Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken, it can be a time-saving addition to this recipe.
Customize the dressing: Add more lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it separately.
Add more veggies: Add any extra veggies you like, such as celery, cucumber, or even peas, to make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.

Variations

Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternative, and swap out the bacon and cheese for plant-based options.
Add fruit: For a sweet twist, try adding dried cranberries or grapes to the salad.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the dressing for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better after chilling for a bit as the flavors have time to meld. Make it a few hours before serving or even the night before.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Yes, you can use store-bought ranch dressing to save time. Just add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Can I freeze the pasta salad?
It’s best to avoid freezing pasta salad, as the pasta and veggies may lose their texture after being frozen. However, you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Conclusion

Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. With its creamy homemade ranch dressing and a combination of fresh ingredients, this pasta salad will quickly become a go-to recipe for barbecues, picnics, or just a simple lunch.