Ultimate Tasty Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad for Summer Fun
This Tasty Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is a delicious, customizable dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Colander
- - Large bowl
- - Spoon
- - Plastic wrap
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz Medium Shell Pasta Rotini or penne are great alternatives.
For the Dressing
- 1 cup Ranch Dressing Primary dressing for the salad.
For the Protein
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Rotisserie chicken can be used.
For the Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Can use mozzarella or omit for lighter dish.
For the Crunch
- 6 slices Bacon Turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives work too.
For the Freshness
- 4 cups Lettuce (preferably Romaine) Add just before serving for crunch.
For a Sweet Touch
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Diced bell peppers can be used instead.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add medium shell pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta cools, shred a few leaves of romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with ranch dressing until evenly coated.
- Fold in the cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, halved tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon pieces.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Add lettuce and bacon right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.