Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
Olivia
Whip up the best Creamy Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad! Quick, easy, packed with flavor & perfect for BBQs and meal prep
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 370 kcal
For the Salad
- Fusilli pasta 200 grams, cooked until tender
- Cooked chicken breasts 2 pieces, diced into 1-inch cubes (season with salt and black pepper before cooking, cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, air fryer method: 400°F for 18 minutes)
- Red onion one third cup, finely diced
- Celery stalk 1 piece, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper 1 piece, finely diced
- Canned sweet corn half a cup, drained
- Cucumber 1 cup, finely diced
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise half a cup
- Whole milk one quarter cup (evaporated milk works too)
- Caster sugar 1 teaspoon (or swap with honey or maple syrup for a different touch)
- Ranch seasoning mix 1 and a half tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
- Pepperoncini 2 tablespoons, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons of its brine
- Salt and black pepper to taste (optional, since the seasoning mix and pasta already contain salt)
- These ingredients come together quickly and allow for lots of flexibility depending on your taste and pantry staples.
Step 1. Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, ranch seasoning, chopped pepperoncini, and the brine. Mix until smooth and well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps the flavors blend and intensify.
Step 3. Prep the Vegetables
Step 4. Combine Everything
In a big bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, sweet corn, bell pepper, onion, celery, and cucumber. Pour the chilled dressing over the top and stir gently until everything is coated evenly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500–700mg (depending on ingredients)