Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
A hearty and flavorful chicken bacon pasta salad loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or meal prep, this easy recipe is both satisfying and customizable.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound rotini penne, or farfalle pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken grilled, baked, or rotisserie, shredded or cubed
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup bell peppers red, yellow, or orange, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing or Greek yogurt-based ranch for a healthier option
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon:
- Cook chicken (if not using rotisserie) by grilling or baking with seasonings. Once cooked, shred or cube it.
- Fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, spinach, and cheddar cheese (if using).
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix and Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
Customization:
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For a lighter version, replace bacon with turkey bacon and use a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
Add sliced avocado for creaminess or cucumbers for extra crunch.
For a lighter version, replace bacon with turkey bacon and use a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
Add sliced avocado for creaminess or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 745kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 31gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 721mgPotassium: 483mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 826IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 175mgIron: 2mg
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