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Pasta salads have become a staple in casual dining and gatherings, offering a versatile option that can easily cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a picnic at the park, or a family reunion, pasta salads provide a delightful, refreshing dish that is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Among the myriad of pasta salad options available, the Chilled Chicken-Bacon Bliss Pasta Salad stands out as a fan favorite. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all harmonizing beautifully with a creamy dressing.

Cold Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Discover the Chilled Chicken-Bacon Bliss Pasta Salad, the ultimate summer dish that's perfect for gatherings and picnics. This easy-to-make salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables, all mixed with a creamy ranch dressing. With its colorful presentation and satisfying flavors, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Enjoy a refreshing meal this summer that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

6 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup ranch dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, ensuring it has a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Prepare the Vegetables: As the pasta cools, wash and chop the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Toss the vegetables gently to mix.

      Combine Chicken and Bacon: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked chicken and crumbled crispy bacon. Stir well until the ingredients are evenly mixed. The bacon will add a delightful smoky flavor to the salad.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.

          Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl with the cooled pasta, add the chicken and bacon mixture along with the vibrant vegetable mix. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated and combined.

            Add Cheese: Carefully fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing just enough to incorporate it evenly without allowing it to clump.

              Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the salad cold and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures!

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the pasta salad in a large bowl garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan on top. For individual servings, scoop the salad into clear cups for a colorful display at gatherings.