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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Section: Creamy & Cheesy Pasta Recipes

This dish combines tender shredded chicken with crispy bacon and gluten-free pasta, mixed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and creamy avocado. The homemade ranch dressing ties all the flavors together, creating a satisfying and fresh pasta salad perfect for quick lunches or meal prep. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld, making each bite flavorful and balanced. Ideal for those seeking a wholesome, gluten-free option with a balance of savory and bright ingredients.

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Last modified on Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:54:23 GMT
A bowl of food with pasta, tomatoes, onions, and bacon. Pin it
A bowl of food with pasta, tomatoes, onions, and bacon. | dinabakery.com

This chicken bacon ranch pasta salad is my go-to for busy weeks when I want something filling yet fresh. It balances tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado with a zesty homemade ranch dressing for a perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s great for meal prep or a quick lunch that feels special without much fuss.

I discovered this recipe when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and bacon in the fridge. Since then, it’s become a regular request from my family, especially for picnics and potlucks.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breasts shredded: the main protein, tender and juicy use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut
  • Bacon slices cooked until crispy: adds smoky crunch pick thick cut for best texture
  • Gluten free pasta: keeps the dish light and suitable for gluten-sensitive diets cook until just al dente to avoid mushiness
  • Cherry tomatoes halved: bring a burst of sweetness and color
  • Cucumber diced: adds refreshing crunch and balances richness
  • Red onions sliced: for bite and sharpness pickled red onions can substitute for a tangy twist
  • Ripe avocado diced: creamy and rich balances the acidity choose slightly soft but not mushy
  • Homemade ranch dressing: the flavorful binder homemade tastes fresher and less processed than store bought

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Chicken:
Make sure your chicken breasts are fully cooked. Grill them for extra smoky flavor or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken finely so every bite is tender and easy to mix.
Make Ranch Dressing:
Blend your homemade ranch dressing ingredients thoroughly until smooth. Refrigerate the dressing to let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Cook Pasta:
Boil gluten free pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water slightly to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
Cook Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy on both sides. Remove and let rest on paper towels to absorb excess grease. When cool, chop into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onions, and diced avocado. Pour the homemade ranch dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly. You can adjust the dressing amount based on your preference for creaminess.
Store:
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
A bowl of food with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and pasta. Pin it
A bowl of food with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and pasta. | dinabakery.com

One of my favorite ingredients is the avocado because it adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp veggies and smoky bacon. I remember bringing this to a family picnic once and watching how quickly the bowl emptied – even folks who don’t usually like avocado loved it.

Storage Tips

Keep this salad chilled in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The crispness of the cucumbers and tomatoes stays intact, and the bacon remains satisfyingly crunchy if added just before serving. Avoid freezing this salad as the avocado and fresh veggies won’t hold up well.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have gluten free pasta, regular pasta can be used unless dietary restrictions apply. For a dairy-free ranch alternative, swap the dressing for a tahini lemon dressing which still complements the ingredients nicely. Green onions or chives can replace red onions for a milder bite.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of pasta salad with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Pin it
A bowl of pasta salad with chicken, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. | dinabakery.com

Serve as a hearty lunch or a side dish at BBQs and potlucks. Pair it with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal. Garnishing with fresh parsley or extra cracked black pepper brings brightness and a little extra zing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds flavor and saves prep time.

→ What pasta works best for this salad?

Gluten-free pasta is used here, but any small-shaped pasta like penne or rotini works well to hold the dressing.

→ How can I add more crunch to this salad?

Adding diced celery or toasted nuts can introduce extra texture and crunch.

→ Is pickled red onion a good substitution?

Pickled red onions provide a tangy twist that complements the creamy ranch and savory bacon.

→ How long can this salad be stored?

Stored in an airtight container and refrigerated, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, perfect for meal prep.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing combined with gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Preparation Time
40 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Pasta

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Number of Portions: 6 Serving Size

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Protein

01 1 pound cooked chicken breasts, shredded
02 6 slices bacon

→ Pasta

03 12 ounces gluten-free pasta

→ Vegetables

04 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
05 1.5 cups cucumber, diced
06 1/4 cup red onions, sliced
07 1 ripe avocado, diced

→ Dressing

08 3/4 cup homemade ranch dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Ensure chicken breasts are cooked and shredded. Use grilled or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Step 02

Blend ranch dressing ingredients thoroughly and refrigerate to allow flavors to develop.

Step 03

Boil gluten-free pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.

Step 04

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.

Step 05

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onions, diced avocado, and ranch dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly, adjusting dressing quantity to taste.

Step 06

Transfer salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Extra Tips

  1. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time.
  2. Pickled red onions can be substituted for a tangy flavor.
  3. Adjust ranch dressing amount according to preferred creaminess.
  4. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
  5. Gluten-free pasta ensures suitability for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Contains dairy in ranch dressing
  • Contains eggs in ranch dressing (if using traditional recipe)
  • Contains bacon (pork)

Nutritional Details (per serving)

These figures are for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: ~
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~