Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Step 1

In a medium bowl, add the extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, garlic granules, onion powder, and pepper.  Stir, and then add the diced chicken and stir.  Marinade for 5 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Step 2

When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill to medium-high heat.  Use a grill basket, or skewer the chicken on wooden skewers, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.  Be sure to stir the chicken and turn it every few minutes for even cooking.  When the chicken is done, add it to a plate to cool.  You can also cook the chicken in a large skillet or bake it in the oven.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crisp.  Let the bacon cool on a paper towel-lined plate, and then dice it into small pieces.

Step 4

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add salt and cook the ziti pasta for 10-12 minutes (or how long your box says to cook it), drain, and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 5

Now build your big chicken bacon ranch pasta salad! Add the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl.  Add the cooked chicken, tomatoes, spinach, bacon, and green onion.  Drizzle with ranch dressing, toss, and enjoy! If not serving right away, chill in the fridge.