This hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Pasta Salad is a flavorful twist on classic pasta salad. With Little Potatoes, savory bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy ranch dressing, this dish is perfect for family picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying main dish. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings! This recipe uses pre-cooked chicken, so it’s perfect if you have leftovers or cooked a bunch of chicken for meal prep!

Kid-Friendly Tips:

  • Customize the Veggies: Add kid-approved vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers to make it more appealing.
  • Extra Creamy Option: For picky eaters, mix in extra ranch dressing or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
  • Bacon Bits: Serve some extra bacon bits on the side as a topping for extra crunch that kids will love.

On-the-Go Tips:

  • Portable Bowls: Divide the pasta salad into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnics.
  • Wrap Alternative: Use the salad as a filling for a wrap or pita pocket for a convenient, handheld meal.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
15 mins
Serves
8
Ingredients
7

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large bowl

Ingredients

  • 250 g dry rotini pasta
  • 1 lb Little Potatoes
  • 1 sachet A Little Savory Herb™ seasoning (or use your favorite herbs and spices, or the Microwave Ready kit!)
  • 1 cup pre-cooked chicken breast, diced (you can also use a store bought rotisserie chicken!)
  • 1/4 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3/4 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Once pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with cold water until pasta is no longer warm.

  • Step 2

    Place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for five minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. (If using Microwave Ready Little Potatoes, cook according to package directions.)

  • Step 3

    Allow potatoes to cool. Then slice them in half and season with half the seasoning pack.

  • Step 4

    Dice chicken and bacon.

  • Step 5

    In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, seasoned potatoes, chicken, bacon, and cheese.

  • Step 6

    Pour ranch dressing and remaining seasoning over pasta mixture and stir to combine.

  • Step 7

    Finally, gently stir in crispy fried onions.

  • Step 8

    Cover and place bowl into the refrigerator until ready to serve.