If you're looking for the perfect side dish for your next cookout, potluck, or family gathering, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is one recipe you'll want to keep on repeat. It's packed with juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, fresh vegetables, and plenty of cheese, making every bite loaded with flavor.
Similar to my Italian Pasta Salad, this version takes everything you love about a classic pasta salad and adds smoky grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and BBQ Seasoning for an unforgettable twist. It's easy to make ahead, even better after chilling, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Whether you're firing up the grill for the weekend or meal prepping lunches for the week, this pasta salad is always a winning choice.
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Why I Love This Recipe
- Perfect for cookouts and BBQs
- Easy to make ahead of time
- Creamy, smoky, and full of flavor
Ingredients
- Rotini pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Bacon
- Mini pepperonis
- Cucumber
- Green onions
- Ranch dressing
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- BBQ Seasoning (or Ninjacue All Night)
See recipe card for quantities.
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Instructions
Step 1: cook the protein
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously and grill them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon until it's crispy
Step 2: Combine INgredients
Prepare the rotini until al dente and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the grilled chicken, bacon, cucumber, and green onions.
Step 3: Add toppings
Add mini pepperonis and shredded mozzarella.
Step 4: Add the dressing
Add ranch and grated parmesan.
Step 5: mix and serve
Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with the dressing.
- A little time in the refrigerator helps the dressing absorb into the pasta and makes the flavors even better.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and green onions for a fresh finish.
- Add extra ranch dressing before serving if making the day before.
Storage
Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Bite.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is everything you want in an easy summer recipe-creamy, smoky, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. The combination of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and ranch dressing takes a classic pasta salad to the next level.
Whether you're serving it alongside burgers and barbecue or enjoying it as a meal on its own, this make-ahead favorite is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Looking for other side dishes?
Try these:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, rotini pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan, mini pepperonis, fresh vegetables, ranch dressing, and Ninjacue All Night BBQ Seasoning. The perfect make-ahead side dish for BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, and summer gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-12
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon BBQ Seasoning (or Ninjacue All Night)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mini pepperonis
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups ranch dressing
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with BBQ Seasoning and grill over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest and chop.
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, cool, and chop.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Dice the cucumber and slice the green onions.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, mini pepperonis, cucumber, green onions, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
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