Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad is perfect for using up leftover cold chicken. It’s a chunky chicken salad with ranch dressing and bits of crumbled bacon for extra flavor. This recipe keeps the basics of classic chicken salad but adds a fun twist with bacon and ranch dressing!
This grilled bacon ranch chicken salad pairs wonderfully with a cup of potato leek soup or broccoli cheddar soup. For a healthy side, try it with a strawberry spinach salad!
It also works great in a pasta salad. Just cook your favorite pasta and mix in the bacon ranch chicken salad for a simple but special weeknight meal on the deck!
For easy sides, slice up some summer melons, or serve with crunchy chips or french fries. If refrigerated promptly, this chicken salad can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make it on a Sunday night and pack it for lunches during the week. Just remember to use a mini ice pack. No one will complain about finding this tasty salad in their lunchbox!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Bacon pieces
- 1/4 cup finely Chopped celery
- 3 tbsp Green onion
- 1/3 cup Mayo
- 2 tbsp Plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Creamy ranch dressing
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Dill powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt more to taste
- Dash of pepper
- Optional: 2-3 burrito-size tortillas if you’re making pinwheels
Instructions
- Shred the Chicken: Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon pieces, green onion, celery, and cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dill powder, sea salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly.
- Optional Pinwheels: If you want to make pinwheels, spread the chicken salad over burrito-size tortillas, then roll them up tightly and slice into pinwheels.
Notes
- Chill Before Serving: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Customize the Crunch: Add extra crunch by mixing in some chopped nuts or sliced almonds, or use diced apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Pinwheel Option: If making pinwheels, spread the chicken salad evenly over tortillas, roll them up tightly, and slice into bite-sized pieces for easy, portable snacks.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 527 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fat | 57g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Potassium | 238mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make this chicken salad ahead of time! In fact, it’s a great recipe for meal prep. Prepare the salad as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when you’re ready to eat it.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Chicken For This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Grilled, baked, or even poached chicken breasts or thighs work well. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients.