Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

This chicken ranch pasta salad recipe is the ultimate comfort food for a warm day! It’s like a loaded ranch salad in pasta form, the cool, creamy, savory dressing is piled high with mix-ins like tender chicken, crispy bacon, and green onions or tomatoes. My family loves it so much that they can polish off half the bowl in a single sitting.

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Luckily, this pasta salad comes together in one pot with simple ingredients, so it’ll be easy to keep in our rotation this summer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Some recipes just fit into everyday life, and this one does exactly that. Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad brings creamy comfort with crisp bites and savory notes.

Creamy but fresh: Ranch and sour cream stay smooth without feeling heavy.

Easy prep: Most ingredients come together fast.

Great for crowds: One bowl feeds plenty without stress.

Make ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.

Flexible flavors: Easy to adjust with what you have.

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Ingredients

For Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad:

• 10 ounces pasta cooked and cooled
• 2 chicken breasts cooked and diced
• 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ¼ cup black olives sliced
• ¼ cup chives chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until tender. Drain well and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely so the dressing stays creamy later.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Dice the cooked chicken into small bite size pieces. Smaller pieces spread flavor evenly and make the salad easier to scoop and serve.

3. Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon until crisp, then chop into small bits. Let it cool before adding so it keeps its texture inside the salad.

4. Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Add salt and pepper and stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine the Base

Add the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, celery, tomatoes, olives, and chives to the bowl. Toss gently so everything coats evenly without breaking the pasta.

6. Chill the Salad

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to settle and blend together nicely.

7. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, stir once more and taste. Add extra salt, pepper, or ranch dressing if needed.

Tips & Variations

• Add diced cucumber or bell peppers.
• Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
• Use light mayo and sour cream.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Smoked turkey works well too.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad works well as a main dish or a side. Serve it cold alongside grilled chicken or burgers for an easy summer meal. It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit or a simple green salad.

When I bring this to gatherings, I keep it in a chilled bowl and add extra chives on top. It always disappears fast, especially with a stack of plates nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this a day ahead?

Yes, it actually tastes better after resting overnight.

Which pasta works best?

Short shapes like rotini or penne hold dressing well.

How long does it last?

Store covered in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I skip olives?

Yes, simply leave them out or replace with extra tomatoes.

Is this good for lunch prep?

Yes, it packs well and stays creamy.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad brings comfort without heaviness and flavor without fuss. Creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables come together in a way that feels relaxed and filling.