Description
A flavorful chicken bacon ranch pasta salad that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables dressed in a creamy ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g chicken breast or tenderloins, diced
- 120 g romaine lettuce, shredded
- 120 g bacon, thick-cut, diced
- 250 g rotini or fusili pasta, high-protein or whole grain
- 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 30 g green onions, sliced
- 150 ml ranch dressing
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Salad Supreme seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 50 g bakery-style croutons, chopped
Instructions
- Dice bacon and gently cook in a large pan over low heat for 10–12 minutes until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of pan drippings.
- Rub chicken with olive oil and coat with poultry or Italian seasoning. Sear in the reserved bacon drippings over medium-low heat, 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Let rest, then dice.
- In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, mix drained pasta, diced chicken, shredded cheddar, crisp bacon, and sliced green onions. Pour in most of the ranch dressing and toss until well coated.
- Add Salad Supreme seasoning and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Just before serving, gently fold in shredded romaine lettuce, chopped croutons, and reserved ranch. Toss lightly to maintain crunch.
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider using low-fat ranch dressing.
- This salad can be made ahead of time, but add the romaine and croutons just before serving to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg