Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – Perfect for Summer Picnics!

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to whip up a dish that brings sunshine straight to your table? This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is everything you love about summer eating — bright, chilled, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful. 🥗✨

Picture this: tender chicken, crisp smoky bacon, perfectly cooked pasta, and a cool, creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish that travels beautifully, holds up well in warm weather, and delights anyone lucky enough to scoop it onto their plate. Whether you’re packing a picnic basket, setting up a backyard potluck, or simply craving something refreshing after a long, warm day, this pasta salad brings that nostalgic, comforting, almost countryside-style goodness.

What makes this dish feel so traditional? It’s rooted in simple ingredients, honest flavors, and the timeless joy of gathering around food that’s meant to be shared. There’s nothing complicated or fussy here — just a bowlful of creamy, savory, tangy perfection. Each bite gives you a little crunch, a little richness, and a whole lot of satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe your family will ask for again and again, especially when the weather heats up.

Let’s dive in and make this refreshing summer favorite! 🌞🍴

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work best)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley

For the Creamy Ranch Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2–4 tbsp milk (optional for thinning)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it completely.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly pan-sear two chicken breasts and dice them up.
3. Make the Bacon: Cook bacon until crisp. Let it cool, then crumble it into small bits.
4. Chop the Veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, mince red onion, and chop herbs.
5. Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add pasta, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cheddar, and herbs.
7. Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
8. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help flavors meld.
9. Taste & Adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning if needed.
10. Serve: Enjoy cold at picnics, potlucks, or sunny lunches! 😋

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️