Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish, perfect for a picnic, potluck, or simple weeknight dinner. This salad combines the flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a creamy ranch dressing. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious twist on your classic pasta salad that everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time. Second, it’s versatile and can be served cold or at room temperature. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. Lastly, this dish is kid-friendly and perfect for satisfying picky eaters, as it combines familiar flavors in a fun and tasty way.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8 oz whole wheat or chickpea pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup ranch dressing
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Add ranch dressing and mix until everything is coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, add green onions for garnish.
Serve chilled.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

You can serve Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or any other summer dishes. Make sure to chill it for a little while before serving to let the flavors meld together.

How to Store Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you find the pasta absorbs the dressing and becomes dry, you can stir in a little more ranch dressing before serving.

Tips to Make Healthy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Use leftover chicken for a quicker prep time.
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
For an extra kick, add some shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Variation

You can easily customize this salad! For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing. Add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra crunch and nutrition, or include some avocado for a creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat or chickpea pasta?

Yes, you can. However, whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds more fiber and protein.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store it in the fridge and add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use chickpea pasta, then yes! Otherwise, regular pasta will not be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free pasta options to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.