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Creamy Chicken BLT Pasta Salad Recipe with Smoky Ranch Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy chicken BLT pasta salad with smoky ranch dressing, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and al dente pasta for a comforting yet light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce or iceberg
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Let it drain well.
  2. If not already cooked, poach or grill 2 chicken breasts until cooked through, about 15 minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cool.
  3. In a bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Pour the smoky ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients without crushing the tomatoes or wilting the lettuce.
  6. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing thicken slightly.

Notes

Allow pasta to cool completely before mixing to prevent sogginess. The smoky ranch dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and keeps texture firm. Use smoked paprika for authentic smoky flavor. Drain bacon well to avoid greasy salad. Toss gently to keep tomatoes and lettuce intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, BLT pasta salad, smoky ranch dressing, quick dinner, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/creamy-chicken-blt-pasta-salad-recipe-with-smoky-ranch-dressing-easy-steps/