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Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

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
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients
  

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.

Instructions
 

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 2. Cook the Pasta

  • Boil a large pot of water with a good pinch of salt. Add the fusilli and cook it for one minute more than the package recommends. This makes the pasta soft enough to absorb the dressing without falling apart. Drain it and rinse under cold water until fully cooled to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 3. Prep the Vegetables

  • Finely dice the red onion, celery, and bell pepper. Try to cut everything to a similar size for even texture and a better mix. Dice the cucumber into small cubes for a refreshing crunch.

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.

Step 5. Taste and Adjust

  • Give the salad a taste. If it needs a little extra salt or pepper, now’s the time to add it.

Step 6. Chill and Serve

  • You can serve it right away, but it tastes best after chilling. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This rest time allows the flavors to fully come together and makes the salad even more delicious.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 370
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 2–3g
  • Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500–700mg (depending on ingredients)