Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

16 oz of elbow macaroni

3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cube Dorot Crushed Garlic

¾ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup favorite ranch dressing

5 green onions, chopped

8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and allow to cool.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, chopped chicken breasts, and Dorot Crushed Garlic. Cook until the chicken is browned.

Drain any excess grease from the chicken. Combine the chicken with the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl.

Add mayonnaise, ranch dressing, chopped green onions, cooked bacon, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and chopped cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Stir everything together until well mixed.

If the mixture is not creamy enough, gradually add more mayonnaise and ranch dressing until the desired creaminess is achieved.

Refrigerate the pasta salad for 1-2 hours.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests elbow macaroni, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or even whole-grain options for added nutrition.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Certainly! You can replace the chicken with grilled shrimp, cooked ham, or even roasted turkey for a different flavor profile.

Are there any alternatives to mayonnaise for a lighter version?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to reduce the calorie content and add a tangy flavor.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, allowing it to refrigerate for 1-2 hours enhances the flavors.

You can even prepare it a day in advance for convenience.

How can I customize the recipe to suit my preferences?

Feel free to add extras like diced avocados, sliced olives, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Adjusting the level of garlic or choosing a spicier ranch dressing can also personalize the dish to your liking.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this pasta salad?

Certainly! If you have leftover grilled or roasted chicken, you can chop it into bite-sized pieces and use it instead of cooking the chicken breasts.

Is there a substitute for Dorot Crushed Garlic?

Yes, you can use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder if you don’t have Dorot Crushed Garlic.

Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Can I make this pasta salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mayo alternative for a lighter version of the dressing.

What other cheese can I use besides Colby Jack?

Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Choose your favorite to enhance the flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to this pasta salad?

Definitely! Customize the salad by adding bell peppers, cucumber, or spinach for additional freshness and crunch.

Adjust the vegetables to suit your taste preferences.