Looking for a quick and easy salad? Ranch Macaroni Salad with Bacon and Chicken is just the ticket when you’re short on time but looking for a side dish that is tall on flavor!
Everything tastes better with bacon! Take these Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes and Bacon Cream Cheese Biscuits, who can resist that sweet, smoked and salty flavor! And bacon is so versatile, it can be enjoyed any time of day – breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Ranch Macaroni Salad with Bacon and Chicken
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The dressing for this macaroni salad is super simple. Just mix ranch dressing and mayo together for the perfect sauce. It’s excellent on this chicken and pasta salad, but you can also use it as a sandwich spread. Or use it as a tasty dressing poured over your favorite fresh garden salad.
Macaroni Salad is always a hit at potlucks and picnics! And this chicken bacon ranch macaroni salad is no exception. The creamy mayo-ranch dressing really compliments the bacon and chicken! Try different types of pasta that the sauce can really cling to like bow-tie, penne, cavatappi, or rotelle! Create your own masterpiece, using whichever pasta you choose.
Learning how to make macaroni salad could not be easier!
- Mix together the mayo and ranch dressing (or ranch dressing mix)
- Add the prepared macaroni, bacon and chicken.
- Mix everything together well.
- Adjust flavors with a little salt and pepper (optional).
- Chill and serve cold.
Other Delicious Additions
I like to add whatever is on-hand to my Ranch Macaroni Salad. This is the perfect opportunity to get really get creative! Some great suggestions are:
- Peas
- Diced Celery
- Sliced black olives
- Sundried tomatoes
- Broccoli florets
- Diced Ham (in place of bacon)
- Toasted walnuts or pecans
- Canned tuna (in place of chicken)
Can You Make Macaroni Salad In Advance?
Feel free to make Ranch Macaroni Salad up to a full day in advance. It will taste even better the second day because the flavors have had a chance to blend together. For best results though, serve it within 24 hours so the noodles stay nice and firm.
What To Serve With Macaroni Salad
Ranch Macaroni Salad lends itself perfectly to so many great entrees, warm or cold! Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Oven Baked Pork Chops, or Slow Cooker Balsamic Roast Beef are all delicious mains that would be delicious served with a heaping side of macaroni salad!
Can You Freeze Macaroni Salad?
It is possible to freeze macaroni salad. Do so, however, before all the ingredients have been mixed together to help retain its flavor and texture. Freeze the dressing, the chicken and bacon, and the pasta, separately for best results.
Other Delicious Salads To Try
German Potato Salad – deliciously different!
Classic Macaroni Salad – a classic recipe.
Southwest Pasta Salad – zesty!
Spinach & Tomato Chicken Pasta Salad – a complete meal!
Mediterranean Pasta Salad – fresh and tasty.
Ranch Macaroni Salad with Bacon and Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups chicken cooked and diced
- 8 ounces macaroni cooked and drained
- 1 carrot shredded
- 2 green onions sliced
- 3 tablespoons red bell pepper chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix mayo and ranch dressing.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Chill before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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I’ve been making a similar version for years, but just never measured out anything. It’s great for potlucks and picnics and there’s never a bit left in the bowl!
Soo good! Made it with traditional rotisserie chicken and it was really good. I didn’t have bottled Ranch, so I used 2 Tbls dry Ranch Dressing mix mixed with a cup of milk which worked out well. The leftovers were even better!
Sounds better than the one I made for the 4th — Ranch BLT Macaroni Salad.
Just a bit on blah side — even added more Hidden Valley Ranch dressing.
Thx — will def try this and ditch the other one for good.
Also pinned a recipe on my food board
can this be made with the greek yogurt?
who doesn’t luv bacon? I thin I’ll have to try this one this weekend