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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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This creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a refreshing and protein-packed dish perfect for summer gatherings. It combines tender rotisserie chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and homemade ranch dressing with pasta and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz rotisserie chicken, shredded
6 oz cooked pasta (penne or bowtie, uncooked)
4 slices reduced-fat turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or dill, finely chopped
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp buttermilk
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
While the pasta cools, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and chopped red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried dill, and dried parsley until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until fully coated.
Sprinkle fresh parsley and cilantro over the salad and gently mix just until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This salad is great to make ahead; leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can use any firm pasta shape that holds dressing well, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
For a lighter version, use plain low-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the ranch dressing.
Add avocado or shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrition.

  • Author: Justin
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: High Protein Snacks
  • Method: Cold preparation
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-Friendly, No Pork, Alcohol-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg