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
Cool Pasta After Cooking
Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage.
Once done, remove the pasta from the water and rinse it under cold running water.
This action stops the cooking of the pasta.
The pasta can absorb part of the dressing while it sits, so it must cool completely before adding it to the mixture.
Mixing the Dressing Base
Put all of the ranch dressing, catalina dressing, and ranch seasoning packet (if using) into a very large mixing bowl.
Use a whisk to combine all of these ingredients.
When you first combine the ranch powder and liquids, the ranch powder will appear clumpy; continue whisking until it becomes a smooth sauce.
Put Everything Together and Toss
Put the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions into the bowl with the dressing mixture.
Use your hands to toss all of the ingredients together to completely coat.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste; start with 1/2 tsp of salt and adjust to your liking from there.
Although the salad has better flavor when allowed to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, it can be eaten right away at room temperature or chilled.
Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five (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.
