Ingredients (~8-10 servings)
- 12 oz short cut pasta (bowtie, fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 12 oz cooked, diced chicken breast
- 12 oz cooked, chopped bacon
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups sliced green onions
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup catalina dressing
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the Pasta and Let it Cool
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; Set aside to cool completely.
The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so you want it completely cool before mixing.
Make the Dressing Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, catalina dressing, and ranch seasoning packet if using.
The ranch powder will clump at first but keep whisking until smooth.
Combine Everything and Toss
Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss everything together until well coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste – start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and adjust from there.
The salad tastes best after sitting for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, but you can serve it right away at room temperature or chilled.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
~8-10 servings
- 12 oz short cut pasta bowtie, fusilli, penne, or rotini
- 12 oz cooked diced chicken breast
- 12 oz cooked chopped bacon
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups sliced green onions
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup catalina dressing
- 1 packet ranch seasoning optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Whisk ranch dressing, catalina dressing, and ranch seasoning in a large bowl.
- Add cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and green onions to dressing.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let sit 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
