Let me tell you about my absolute favorite lunch obsession – this Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad. It’s everything I crave in one bowl: juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and that irresistible creamy ranch dressing. I love that this Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad keeps me full for hours, which is perfect when I’m juggling back-to-back meetings or chasing my kids around the house.
I actually came up with this Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad after a workout when I needed something fast but seriously satisfying. The BLT twist came from my husband—he begged me to make it taste like his favorite sandwich. Now, it’s our go-to for summer potlucks, weekly meal prep, and lazy weeknight dinners when we just need something simple but packed with flavor. Trust me, after one crunchy, creamy bite, you’ll be hooked too!
Table of contents:
Why You’ll Love This Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
Okay, let me count the ways this salad is about to become your new best friend:
- Serious protein power: Between the chicken, bacon, cheese, and whole wheat pasta, each serving packs a whopping 25g of protein to keep you fueled and satisfied. No more 3pm snack attacks!
- Meal prep magic: This comes together faster than takeout—just 30 minutes start to finish—and tastes even better the next day. Hello, easy lunches for the win!
- BLT but better: All the crispy, salty, creamy flavors of your favorite sandwich, but with extra veggies and none of the bread coma. (Though no judgment if you eat it with garlic bread… I’ve been there.)
- Crazy customizable: Swap in turkey bacon, vegan ranch, or gluten-free pasta—it’s forgiving and still delicious. Perfect for picky eaters or cleaning out the fridge!
Basically? It’s the salad that eats like a meal and disappears faster than cookies at a bake sale.
Ingredients for Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed salad (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way – don’t skip anything!):
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta – I swear by rotini because those little spirals hold onto every drop of ranch dressing
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced – Pro tip: roast it with garlic powder for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing – The Greek yogurt kind gives you bonus protein without sacrificing taste
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Because crispy bacon makes everything better
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – They burst with sweetness in every bite
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped – Adds that perfect fresh crunch
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced – Just enough zing without overpowering
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because cheese is life
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ran out of something? No worries! Here are my favorite swaps:
- Protein boost: Use turkey bacon or add hard-boiled eggs
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use vegan shreds
- Extra veggies: Toss in avocado or cucumbers
- Shortcut: Grab pre-cooked chicken from the store when you’re in a rush
The beauty of this recipe? It’s basically foolproof – just use what you’ve got!
How to Make Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this ridiculously easy (and delicious) Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad! Here’s exactly how I do it, step by step. Follow along, and you’ll have a Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad masterpiece in no time. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for your next family cookout.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, but make sure to keep it al dente—nobody likes mushy noodles! Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This also helps keep the pasta from sticking together.
- Mix the pasta with ranch dressing while it’s still slightly warm. Trust me, it absorbs the flavors better this way. Use about 3/4 of the dressing first—you can add more later if needed.
- Add your cooked chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and cheese. Gently fold everything together so you don’t crush the veggies. (Overmixing = sad, soggy salad.)
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those BLT flavors get cozy and makes every bite taste even better.
Quick warning: don’t overcook the chicken! Dry chicken ruins the whole thing. I like to pull mine off the heat when it hits 165°F, then let it rest before dicing.
Tips for Success
- Chill it longer if you can—overnight is even better! The flavors meld together beautifully.
- Reserve extra dressing for serving. The pasta tends to soak it up, so a little extra drizzle never hurts.
- Add the lettuce last if you’re making this ahead. That way, it stays crisp and fresh.
See? Easy-peasy. Now grab a fork and dig in—you’ve earned it!
Serving Suggestions for Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
This Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is a meal all by itself—I usually dish up generous 1 1/2 cup portions that keep me full for hours. But if you’re serving it at a cookout or family dinner? Oh honey, we take it to the next level! Here’s what I love pairing with it:
- Crusty garlic bread – For when you just can’t quit carbs (no shame!)
- Fresh watermelon or berries – The sweetness balances that creamy ranch perfectly
- Iced tea with lemon – My Southern grandma would insist on this
Pro tip: Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd—it disappears FAST!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s how to keep your Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad fresh and delicious:
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ranch dressing may thicken slightly—just give your Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad a good stir before serving to bring it back to life.
Important: skip the microwave. Reheating will wilt the lettuce and mess with the texture. If you really want it a bit warmer, scoop out your portion and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before digging in.
Truth? It’s so tasty cold, you probably won’t have leftovers anyway!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (but remember—values vary based on your exact ingredients):
- 450 calories – Perfect fuel for busy days
- 25g protein – Hello, muscle-building power!
- 35g carbs – Just enough energy without the crash
- 5g fiber – Keeping things moving smoothly
With numbers like these, you can totally feel good about going back for seconds—I won’t tell!
Print
27g Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad – Mouthwatering!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A high-protein pasta salad with chicken, ranch dressing, and BLT flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with ranch dressing.
- Add chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and cheese.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt ranch for extra protein.
- Add avocado for healthy fats.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
FAQs About Protein-Packed Chicken Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I get asked most about this recipe:
Absolutely! I’ve made this with chickpea pasta, brown rice pasta – you name it. Just watch the cook time since GF noodles can turn mushy fast. My favorite? The lentil-based ones that add even more protein!
Oh honey, this is my Sunday night lifesaver! I mix everything except the lettuce, store it in containers, then add the greens each morning. Stays fresh 4 days easy. Bonus: the flavors get better as they mingle!
If you’re not a ranch person (weird, but okay), try green goddess dressing or a spicy chipotle mayo. My lazy swap? Half Greek yogurt + half mayo with ranch seasoning stirred in. Still delish!
