When you think of having a carefree, relaxed summer meal with your friends, you should consider the delightful Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a party on your plate, bursting with vibrant flavor and colors. Combining the seasoned taste of taco seasoning with the heartiness of black beans and corn, this recipe brings a new twist to the classic combination of Chicken Bacon Ranch. The result? A hit that’s got everyone raving. It’s one of those experimental recipes that you’ll want to use your guinea pigs for, trusting they won’t have a single complaint after tasting this savory creation in every bite.
Today’s recipe, already a favorite in restaurants and at fast-food joints, successfully marries earthy ingredients into a flavorful bowl of yum. It’s a meal that stands on its own, perfect for outdoor dining, and is easy to prepare ahead for those who want to enjoy both simplicity and taste, packing not only convenience but also the exciting flare you’d expect in a well-crafted dish. A blend of diverse food groups and textures makes it a fun choice, whether you’re dining alone or feeding a crowd this summer. This salad truly unites every element needed for both a satisfying and visually colorful experience, making it a favorite like no other.
Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This vibrant and flavorful Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a loaded dish perfect for any gathering or summer barbecue. Made with tender chicken, fresh ingredients, and a creamy ranch dressing, this pasta salad incorporates zesty salsa to elevate the taste. The addition of crunchy crushed Doritos® on top adds a fun twist, creating a delightful contrast with the other flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic or hosting a small party, this salad is an excellent choice that will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
To make this Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, begin by cooking a pound of rotini pasta until it’s al dente. Make sure to drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down and stop it from cooking further. Once the pasta is cooled, set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
Next, cook boneless chicken breasts in a skillet until they’re fully cooked and seasoned with a packet of taco seasoning. For convenience, you can also use rotisserie chicken; just remove the chicken from the bones and cut it into cubed or bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, cook bacon until it’s crispy, then drain it on paper towels and crumble it into small bits. Add both the chicken and bacon to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
Add chopped cherry tomatoes, drained corn, and black beans to the bowl. For a little kick, I like to include a bit of spicy pepper. Then, in another bowl, combine sour cream, a ranch packet, a splash of buttermilk, and some sharp cheddar cheese. Mix this mixture well and pour it over the pasta and other ingredients. Make sure everything is well mixed together.
Before serving, garnish the salad with some extra cheddar cheese, crumbled tortilla chips for crunch, and a light dusting of black pepper. This recipe is perfect for any gathering, whether large or small, and always gets people hearing about how delicious it is.
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Cooking Time
Prep Time : 25 minutes Cook Time : 10 minutes Servings : 16
Ingredients
When I first tried making Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, I was amazed by how the combination of flavors worked so well together. The creamy texture of the dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk creates the base of this delicious salad 🥗. Mixing in some ranch and taco seasoning really elevates the flavors. You’d be surprised how a simple packet of ranch can transform the taste!
➡️ Step 1: For the salad itself, start by preparing rotini pasta or any short pasta you prefer.
➡️ Step 2: Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or for convenience, use rotisserie chicken. Once the chicken is cooked and cubed, mix it with diced red onions, canned black beans, and corn.
➡️ Step 3: Throw in some small cubed cheddar and pepper jack cheese for that cheesy goodness.
➡️ Step 4: Don’t forget to add cherry tomatoes sliced in halves and some crisp crumbled bacon for that savory crunch.
➡️ Step 5: Drizzle the avocado oil over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
➡️ Step 6: For an extra touch, you can garnish with sliced green onions 🌿.
I remember the first time I made this salad; my friends couldn’t get enough of it. The cups of sharp cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and cherry tomatoes really made a difference. This recipe has gone through a few tweaks – like sometimes I swap the buttermilk with whole milk 🥛. The use of creamy elements, like the mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream, blends seamlessly with the cooking oil and taco seasoning 🌶️. It’s a versatile salad that’s perfect for gatherings any time of the year!
Instruction
To make this Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is simple and incredibly satisfying. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
1️⃣ Boil the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once it’s ready, drain and rinse it under cold water until it’s completely cooled. This ensures the pasta won’t stick together and provides a refreshing base for the salad.
2️⃣ Meanwhile, season your chicken—if using rotisserie chicken, simply add Spicy Ranch to give it that zesty flavor. For uncooked chicken, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken through thoroughly. Let it rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces. This keeps the chicken moist and tender, ideal for the salad.
3️⃣ In the same pan, add corn and sauté until it gains a beautiful char, then allow it to cool.
4️⃣ In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for your delicious sauce. Add in the chicken, bacon, and the rest of the ingredients, mixing everything well.
5️⃣ For a lovely presentation, set aside 1-2 tablespoons of each add-in to garnish the top along with fresh green onions.
6️⃣ Once mixed, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together nicely. Chill it well in the fridge and then serve cold, enjoying every flavorful bite. 🍽️
Notes
When prepping for the week, I love to make this Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. It’s a delicious and filling meal that tastes even better as it marinates. Store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Perfect for busy schedules, you can prepare in advance without worry.
FAQS
What comes in the chicken bacon ranch salad from Subway?
When enjoying a Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, you’ll find it’s the perfect mix of tender, chopped chicken and crispy bacon that brings comfort to each bite. Drawing inspiration from Subway’s creations, it features the same juicy all-white meat seasoned and marinated to perfection. The addition of Monterey cheddar cheese adds a comforting richness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy greens and tangy ranch dressing. Each forkful brings together the flavors familiar to Subway fans, making it an enticing dish for any meal.
How many carbs are in bacon ranch pasta salad?
When enjoying a Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, it’s good to know what you’re eating. A similar dish like Kraft’s Classic Ranch Bacon Pasta Salad, for instance, contains 34g of total carbs and 32g of net carbs. Additionally, it has 1g of fat, 7g of protein, and about 170 calories per serving. This nutritional information gives a good baseline for what you might expect in your homemade version, blending those rich and savory flavors with a nutritional profile that many find appealing.
Is chicken bacon ranch good?
When I first whipped up my Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, I used the best ingredients to get that perfect balance of flavors. The combination of chicken and bacon is irresistible, and the ranch dressing adds a creamy, tangy touch that unites all the elements beautifully. It’s no wonder my boys declared it the greatest thing I’ve ever made. They’re crazy about it, calling it not just a salad but the greatest sandwich transformed into a pasta dish. The creamy ranch, good crunch from the bacon, and tender pasta make it a comforting, good meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This truly good dish has become a beloved sandwich in a bowl for my whole family, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to jazz up their meal rotation.
Does McDonald’s Have a Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?
When I prepare Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, I start with a mix of fresh ingredients just like those in a restaurant. Inspired by the menu at McDonald’s, I make sure to use a blend of romaine lettuce, baby spinach, and kale. I add juicy grape tomatoes, shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, and crispy applewood smoked bacon. The grilled chicken ties everything together, giving it a savory depth. This item is a true salad masterpiece transformed into a hearty pasta dish, combining all your favorite greens and flavors in one bowl.