A flavorful, hearty pasta salad combining seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, fresh romaine, and creamy dressings.
Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-packed – chicken and bacon make it ultra-satisfying
Creamy & crunchy – croutons add texture alongside crisp lettuce
Dual dressings – caesar and ranch meld into a tangy-savory finish
Versatile – serve chilled or at room temp; ideal for gatherings
Customizable – swap seasonings or add veggies to suit your taste
Ingredient Highlights
Chicken & seasonings – diced breast tossed in poultry or Cajun blend
Bacon – diced and crisped for smoky crunch
Short pasta – rotini or fusilli hold dressing beautifully
Romaine & croutons – fresh greens and garlic-butter bites
Cheeses & dressings – parmesan, caesar, and ranch create a creamy coating
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook bacon first – crisp it, drain fat, then use remaining grease to flavor chicken
Pat chicken dry – helps seasonings stick and promotes browning
Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping
Add lettuce & croutons last if saving leftovers to avoid wilting and sogginess
Chill briefly – a 10-minute rest in the fridge melds flavors before serving
How to Make Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
In a skillet over medium-low, cook diced bacon until golden; drain on paper towels, reserving 1 Tbsp bacon fat.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season diced chicken with poultry seasoning.
n the same skillet, add olive oil and reserved fat; cook chicken 3–4 min per side until 165 °F.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water, cook pasta to al dente per package; drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bacon, parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, caesar, and ranch.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Top with chopped romaine and crushed croutons.
Garnish with extra parmesan and seasoning, then serve immediately or chill briefly.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
Fruit platter (melon, grapes) for a refreshing contrast
Crusty bread or garlic knots
Variations & Substitutions
Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist
Use bacon bits or pancetta
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or roasted corn
Replace croutons with sunflower seeds or toasted almonds
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days
Keep romaine and croutons separate if prepping ahead
Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes—rotisserie or grilled chicken works; simply chop and add at Step 4.
How do I prevent soggy pasta?
Rinse under cold water and toss with a splash of oil before adding dressing.
Is this freezer-friendly?
No—lettuce and croutons lose texture when frozen.
What dressings can I substitute?
Blue cheese or Italian vinaigrette both pair well.
Can I make it fully ahead?
Prep components separately; assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
What’s salad supreme seasoning?
A blend of garlic, parsley, onion, and herbs; adjust amount to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad balances creamy, smoky, and fresh elements in every forkful.
Quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable, it’s destined to become a go-to for any meal or occasion.
