Meet Brian Gerwig of @g_bque, a passionate home cook/backyard bbq’er with a love of all things cooking. Brian has always enjoyed cooking, but it was the start of his page in 2020 that really awakened his passion.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sharp Colby Jack cheese, and creamy homemade ranch dressing for the ultimate summer side dish. It's perfect for meal prep, beach days, picnics, or cookouts, and stays cold on the go when packed in the 18 Can Collapsible TableTop Cooler from Titan by Arctic Zone.
Ingredients
PASTA SALAD
- 1 lb rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- BBQ rub, to taste
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and diced
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- Homemade ranch dressing
- Shredded lettuce, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and let it cool completely before assembling the salad.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with your favorite BBQ rub and grill over medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 175–185°F. Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced grilled chicken, cooked bacon, shredded Colby Jack cheese, half of the sliced green onions, and about half of the homemade ranch dressing. Toss until everything is evenly coated, adding more ranch dressing as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust with additional ranch dressing or seasoning if desired, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and makes this an excellent make-ahead meal prep recipe.
- If serving with lettuce, fold in the shredded lettuce along with the remaining green onions and a little extra ranch dressing just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp while adding fresh texture to every bite.
- Portion the pasta salad into meal prep containers or pack it for your next adventure in the 18 Can Collapsible TableTop Cooler from Titan by Arctic Zone. The Ice Wall Pockets help keep everything cold while creating more usable space inside the cooler, the easy-access hatch lets you grab your meal without opening the entire lid, and the two built-in cup holders make it the perfect companion for a day at the beach, the park, a tailgate, or any summer outing.
