This Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s a refreshing choice for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches. Quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients, this is sure to become a go-to favorite!
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What Type of Pasta To Use
It’s best to choose pasta shapes that can hold the dressing and other ingredients well. I used rotini, but penne and farfalle also work well.
What Type of Chicken to Use
Use what works best for you. You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, etc. You can cook it yourself or grab pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store. Here are some options:
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken
- Smoked Pulled Chicken
- Smoked Chicken Breast
- Store Bought Rotisserie Chicken
Substitutions and Ideas for Add Ins
- Chickpeas
- Black Beans
- Bacon
- Croutons
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
- Eggs
- Hot Sauce
- Pickles
- Olives
- Diced apples
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Mandarin oranges
Can You Make it Ahead/How Long it Will Last in the Fridge
If you know you want to make it ahead or eat leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss the salad with the dressing just before eating to maintain the best texture.
It can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
More Salad Recipes
Ham Salad
Cornbread Salad
Southern Crab Salad
Southern Potato Salad
Watermelon Fruit Salad
Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup rotini pasta
- 10-12 ounces cooked chicken Diced into cubes or sliced into strips.
- 4 cups chopped lettuce
- 3 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2-3 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
- 3-5 tablespoons Ranch Salad Dressing
- Croutons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package. While it cooks prep the remaining ingredients.
- Combine the pasta, bacon, chicken, lettuce, cheese, and optional ranch seasoning in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with salad dressing. Toss and sprinkle croutons throughout.
- Serve immediately.