Bow Tie Chicken Pasta Salad

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You are going to love this incredible ranch pasta salad recipe. There are so many delicious flavors and it is always a massive crowd pleaser.

Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Guys. I don't even know where to begin. This ranch bowtie pasta salad is UNREAL GOOD. My good friend Janet gave me the recipe to try a few months ago, and now I am pretty much addicted.

You guys know my favorite way to get my fruits and veggies is to pack them in a salad of some sort, and this one is full of flavor. I make a big batch so I can eat it for lunch all week, and it seriously makes my day every time.  You guys definitely need to add this chicken bowtie pasta salad into your rotation.

My husband isn't a big fan of fruit in salads, so the first time I made it he was kind of turning his nose up at it. I literally forced him to take one bite, and he ended up eating three bowls. When I say everyone will love this ranch pasta salad recipe, trust me, I mean it.

If you love pasta salad recipes you will also love our yummy Italian Pasta Salad or our Easy Summer Pasta Salad recipe. Or you can find our entire Salad Recipe Gallery here

Bowtie Salad Ingredients

  • Green Grapes
  • Red Grapes
  • Green Onions
  • Pineapple Tidbits
  • Craisins
  • Precooked Chicken
  • Bowtie Noodles
  • Cashews
  • Ranch Dressing Mix
  • Mayonnaise
  • Milk

How to Make Bowtie Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing

The sweet and salty mix of flavors is just so good. You ready for the easy recipe? 

the steps for how to make a ranch pasta salad in a collage image
  1. Top Left - Cook, rinse and drain your pasta. Make sure you cook your noodles with plenty of salt. 
  2. Top Right - Wash and chop grapes and onions. Dice chicken into bite sized pieces. Add all ingredients into a large bowl
  3. Bottom Left - Toss all ingredients together. 
  4. Bottom Right - In a small bowl combine mayo, milk and ranch dressing mix and whisk to combine. Add dressing mix to salad to coat. 
birds eye view of pasta salad in a small white ramekin

Serve and enjoy.

Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe Tips

  • I like to use rotisserie chicken to make this ranch pasta salad recipe even quicker to throw together. 
  • Start with about half of the dressing, then add in a little bit at a time until you reach desired coverage. 
  • The great thing about pasta salad is that it is so adaptable. If you don't like craisins, leave them out. If you like bacon add some in. You really can't mess this recipe up. 
  • Save leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 7-10 days. 

Bow Tie Chicken Pasta Salad FAQs

How long is bowtie pasta salad good for?

Bowtie pasta salad can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. 

The exact shelf life depends on many factors such as the freshness of the ingredients used (especially the chicken!) and how well the salad is stored.

Do you rinse pasta for pasta salad?

Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking can help stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta quickly, which is especially useful for pasta salads.

Rinsing can also remove extra starch from the pasta, preventing it from becoming too sticky.

Why is my pasta salad so bland?

The dressing is a key component of pasta salad and should be flavorful enough to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Why is my pasta salad not creamy?

Make sure you're using enough dressing to coat the pasta and other ingredients thoroughly.

Overcooked pasta can become mushy and absorb too much liquid, resulting in a dry or gooey texture. Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent this.

ranch pasta salad in a long white bowl on a cement countertop

If you make this recipe and enjoy it we would love for you to leave us a positive comment and review, they mean so much to us.

ranch pasta salad in a white bowl with green and purple grapes

Bowtie Salad with Ranch Dressing

The best pasta salad you'll ever eat! Perfect for briging to barbeques or family parties, the perfect mix of sweet and salty will have everyone coming back for more.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 352kcal

Video

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 2 Cups Green Grapes
  • 2 Cups Red Grapes
  • 4 Green Onions Chopped
  • 1 Can Pineapple Tidbits Any Size
  • 8 Oz Craisins
  • 3 Cups Cooked Chicken
  • 16 Oz Package Bowtie Noodles Cooked
  • ¾ Cup Cashews

Ranch Dressing

  • 1 Packet Ranch Dressing Mix
  • ¾ Cup Mayo
  • ¼ Cup Milk

Instructions

  • Cook noodles, drain, rinse and set aside.
  • Slice grapes in half, and chop green onions.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together milk, mayo and ranch packet and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Add dressing a bit at a time until salad is coated (you probably won't need it all).
  • Chill for a couple hours and serve!

Notes

  • I like to use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker to throw together. 
  • Start with about half of the dressing, then add in a little bit at a time until you reach desired coverage. 
  • The great thing about pasta salad is that it is so adaptable. If you don't like raisins, leave them out. If you like bacon add some in. You really can't mess this recipe up. 
  • Save leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 7-10 days. 
If you love pasta salad recipes you will also love our yummy Italian Pasta Salad or our Easy Summer Pasta Salad recipe. Or you can find our entire Salad Recipe Gallery here

 

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 224mg | Potassium: 302mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @prettyprovidenceblog or tag #prettyprovidence!
pasta salad in a small white ramekin next to a white tea towel and a fork

I mean, is your mouth watering by now or what?! Give it a try, you won't regret it.

Also, if you need a delicious main dish to go with this amazing side you HAVE to check out our classic Chicken Schnitzel. It is unbelievably good.

xo,
jess-sig

This post was originally published on October 5th, 2015 and has been updated with new photos, video and more detailed information. 

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Recipe Rating




13 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This was such a quick and easy salad that does not disappoint! Turned out quick, easy and delicious; the best salad for summer, indeed!

  2. 5 stars
    This was a huge hit at our barbecue! The grapes and pineapple were surprisingly a good combination, and the ranch dressing mix was the perfect touch. Everyone asked for seconds!

  3. 5 stars
    This is one of our favorite summer recipes!! Everyone loves it & it's so tasty!! It's one of those recipes that goes well with almost anything!

  4. 5 stars
    It never fails to please my guests. Its a hit with everyone. So delicious and easy to make.

  5. 5 stars
    WOW!! I wish I made double the recipe, it disappeared fast at out book club!! I am making it again for Mother's Day!

  6. 5 stars
    This salad is on repeat all through the summer!! It's quick & easy to throw together & perfect for any bbq or picnic!

  7. 5 stars
    this bowtie pasta salad is amazing and I love the flavor it has! thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

  8. 5 stars
    The flavors in the pasta salad were so tasty! I would've never thought to put grapes in it, but I'm so glad that you suggested it!