Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed, Easy, and Satisfying Recipe

If you’re searching for a delicious, hearty, and incredibly easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad is your new go-to recipe. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing, this salad hits every note of flavor and texture. Let’s dive deep into the ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and all the tips and tricks you need to make this the best chicken salad you’ve ever had!

Ingredients

To create the perfect Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, gather the following fresh and flavorful ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (grilled, boiled, or rotisserie)
4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp or medium sharp for a richer flavor
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, for a touch of zesty sweetness
1/2 cup finely chopped celery, adding a fresh crunch
1/4 cup chopped green onions, for color and mild onion flavor
1/2 cup mayonnaise, full-fat for creaminess or light for a healthier twist
1/4 cup ranch dressing, homemade or store-bought
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped finely (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tip: Using high-quality ranch dressing and fresh dill enhances the overall taste significantly.

How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients

Before you start mixing, it’s important to properly prepare all your components:

Cook the Chicken: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can poach, bake, or grill your chicken breasts. Make sure they are fully cooked and then allow them to cool slightly before shredding or cubing them into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, place them on paper towels to drain excess fat and cool. Once cooled, crumble them into small pieces.
Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the red onion and celery for even distribution in the salad. Chop the green onions for a hint of freshness and a pop of color.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
A pinch of salt
A dash of black pepper

Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The dressing should be creamy, flavorful, and have a hint of herby freshness from the dill.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add:

The shredded or cubed chicken
Crumbled bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Finely chopped red onion
Chopped celery
Green onions

Pour the prepared dressing over the top of the chicken mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together until every piece is coated with the creamy dressing.

Important: Mix carefully to maintain the texture of the ingredients and avoid mashing the chicken.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

While you can serve the salad immediately, chilling it for at least one hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for 1–2 hours.

Step 5: How to Serve

There are many versatile ways to serve this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad:

Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Sandwiches or Wraps: Use your favorite bread, croissant, or tortilla for a hearty meal.
On Crackers: Make a simple and delicious appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Over a Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, healthier meal.
Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out tomatoes or avocados and fill them with the salad for an elegant presentation.

Expert Tips for the Best Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken and bacon make a huge difference in flavor.
Customize It: Add diced pickles, chopped jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Lighten It Up: Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version.
Make It Ahead: This salad holds up well for 2–3 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the specific brands and measurements used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s juicy, flavorful, and saves you cooking time. Just remove the skin and shred the meat before using.

Can I Make This Salad in Advance?

Yes, you can make Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad up to 2 days ahead of time. Just keep it covered and refrigerated. The flavors even deepen overnight!

What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?

If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version, you could even use crispy chickpeas for added crunch.

How Long Does It Last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this chicken salad can last for 3–4 days.

Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok ChoyFinal Thoughts

This Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad is the ultimate combination of comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, preparing a picnic, or just whipping up an easy weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With its irresistible blend of creamy dressing, savory bacon, and juicy chicken, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your recipe rotation!