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Chicken Pasta Salad

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!

chicken pasta salad with bacon in a white bowl

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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.

salad dressing, grated cheese, and croutons in separate glass bowls
lettuce in a glass bowl

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:

bacon and chicken in separate glass bowls

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
chicken pasta salad with bacon drizzled with salad dressing in a glass bowl

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.

chicken pasta salad with bacon in a glass bowl

More Salad Recipes

Ham Salad
Cornbread Salad
Southern Crab Salad
Southern Potato Salad
Watermelon Fruit Salad

chicken pasta salad with bacon in a white bowl
chicken pasta salad with bacon in a white bowl
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4.25 from 4 votes

Chicken Pasta Salad

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!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 3 servings
Calories 488kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

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.

Notes

You don’t need exact measurements to make this salad. Once you have the key ingredients and any substitutions you want to add, make the adjustments you feel you need to make.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 25g
Recipe Rating