This hearty pasta salad pairs tender shredded chicken with crispy, savory beef bacon for a satisfying twist on a classic American side. Coated in a rich, creamy ranch dressing and tossed with sharp cheddar and fresh green onions, this dish is perfect for barbecues and quick weeknight dinners. It balances textures and flavors perfectly while remaining entirely pork-free and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
16 oz Rotini Pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
8 strips beef bacon, fried and chopped
1.5 cups ranch dressing
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
0.5 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Fry the beef bacon in a skillet until crisp, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped beef bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Fold in the sliced green onions gently.
Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Rinse the pasta under cold water to ensure it does not stick and cools down, which helps the dressing bind better. If preferred, you can substitute the rotini with bowtie or penne pasta. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad/