Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
413 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
This pasta salad features cooked rigatoni tossed with cooked, chopped chicken and crisp bacon, complemented by fresh grape tomatoes, sliced green onions, and cubed cheddar cheese. The dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk, enhanced with herbs such as chives, dill, and parsley, plus onion and garlic powders. The optional addition of bacon grease to the dressing infuses it with smoky notes.
The salad is prepared by cooking and cooling pasta, crisping bacon separately, and mixing these with the other salad ingredients and dressing. It is refrigerated for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld. Texture comes from the tender pasta and chicken, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, making it a well-rounded dish.
The salad is suited to be served cold, making it convenient for picnics or potlucks. Garnishing with avocado slices adds creaminess and a fresh element. Leftovers keep well refrigerated and benefit from stirring before eating to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta shells, rotini, or penne
- 8 lices Bacon
- 2 cups chicken cooked, chopped
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, divided
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup cheddar cheese cut into ¼-inch cubes, diced
- ½ avocado for garnish, optional
Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk or as needed
- 2 teaspoons chives or 1 teaspoon dried, chopped fresh
- 2 teaspoons dill or 1 teaspoon dried, chopped, fresh
- 2 teaspoons parsley or 1 ½ teaspoon dried, chopped, fresh
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, chives, dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. If desired, whisk 1 tablespoon bacon grease into the dressing.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook al dente according to package directions. Drain well and rinse under cold water.
- Set aside 1 tablespoon of green onions and half of the bacon for garnish.
- In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, half of the bacon, chicken, tomatoes, green onions, and cheese. Add dressing to taste (you may not use all of the dressing) and toss well to combine. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with sliced avocado if using and remaining bacon and green onion.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For a quick dressing variation, substitute the herb mixture with a ranch dressing mix powder or use store-bought ranch dressing.
- Store leftover pasta salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 413 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 413 | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 344mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 361mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 512IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 106mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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