This gluten-free Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with delicious flavor and is a great companion dish to almost any meal. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for any BBQ or backyard dinner.
What’s not to love about the combination of crispy bacon, chicken, and creamy ranch together? I can’t think of any reason not to love this pasta salad. What’s more? Crunchy pieces of sweet red onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh basil to round out the dish. And of course, let’s not forget the gluten-free macaroni noodles.
If you aren’t worried about eating gluten-free, just use regular “gluten” macaroni. Alternatively, Penne pasta (gluten-free or not) would work as well. You can just use whatever pasta (that’s similar to those mentioned) that you have on hand.
Also, feel free to sub out ingredients if you don’t like certain foods. Celery, bell peppers, and shredded carrots would make a great alternative to the cucumbers. Customize to your family’s tastes.
Save Time in the Kitchen!
If you don’t have the time to cook up the chicken and bacon at home, try picking up a hot and ready rotisserie chicken at the store. While you’re there, pick up a bottle of real bacon bits. This should help give you more time to prepare the other ingredients in this dish.
In the mood for more savory recipes? Then, check out these simple, yet delicious, meals below.
Pizza Pasta Casserole (Gluten-Free)
Chicken Bacon Ranch Flautas (Gluten-Free)
How to Make Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni pasta and all remaining ingredients except chopped bacon; mix well.
Cover and chill in fridge for at least two hours so all the flavors blend together. Stir in bacon just before serving. Serve cold.
Makes about 8-10 servings. Enjoy!
Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 6 oz. (use half of 12 oz. box) small macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 1 1/2 C. cucumber, diced
- 1 C. tomato, chopped
- 1/2 C. red onion, chopped
- 1 C. shredded cooked chicken
- 2 C. colby jack shredded cheese, or your favorite cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
- 3-4 TBSP. fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 12 oz. bottle ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 C. crispy cooked bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni pasta and all remaining ingredients except chopped bacon; mix well.
- Cover and chill in fridge for at least two hours so all the flavors blend together. Stir in bacon just before serving. Serve cold.
- Makes about 8-10 servings.
Notes
Nutrition
We hope you enjoy this crazy delicious Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad. If you get the chance to make it, we’d love to see your creation. Just tag us on Instagram at @thetickledtastebud so we can see how your’s turned out!
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’til next time…happy eating!
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