The Perfect Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Crisp summer days call for a zesty chicken ranch pasta salad that brings fresh flavors to your plate.

Creamy dressing coats perfectly cooked noodles with tangy goodness.

Tender chicken pieces add protein and depth to every delightful bite.

Quick and simple ingredients make this dish a breeze to assemble.

Colorful vegetables provide crunch and nutrition for a balanced meal.

Cool and refreshing, this salad works brilliantly as a main course or side dish.

You’ll love how easily it comes together for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Everyone Loves

• Master Quick Meal Prep: Assemble this dish in minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy families or last-minute gatherings without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, from switching protein types to adjusting vegetable mix, ensuring flexibility for any cook.
• Chill and Serve Anytime: This make-ahead recipe tastes even better after resting, allowing flavors to meld and develop, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or casual weeknight dinners.

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Ingredient Roundup

• Pasta: A classic pasta shape that provides the foundation for this refreshing salad.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that brings a smoky and salty element to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Ranch Dressing: Creamy ingredients that create a tangy and rich base for coating the salad.
• Chives: Fresh herb that adds a mild onion-like flavor and bright green color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Celery, Black Olives, Cherry Tomatoes: Crunchy and colorful vegetables that provide texture and freshness to the pasta salad.

How to Make Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook the pasta following the package guidelines.

Once done, drain thoroughly and cool it down by rinsing under cold water.

Set aside to let it reach room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Ranch dressing
• Chopped chives
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine All the Delicious Ingredients

• Cooled pasta
• Crispy bacon bits
• Shredded chicken
• Diced celery
• Sliced black olives
• Halved cherry tomatoes

Gently mix everything so each ingredient gets evenly coated with the tangy dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Place the pasta salad in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least one hour.

This waiting time allows all the flavors to blend together and creates an even more delicious dish.

Serve cold and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

• Rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring a crisp texture for your salad.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs for alternative protein sources that complement the ranch flavors.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and add extra protein while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Make the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more intense and delicious dish.
• Add chopped nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and a nutty flavor boost to the pasta salad.

Variations for Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Fans

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure ranch dressing is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Greek-Style Remix: Swap ranch dressing with tzatziki sauce, replace bacon with feta cheese, and add cucumber for a Mediterranean touch.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy ranch flavor profile.

Ideas for Serving Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

• Fresh Picnic Plate: Serve chilled on a colorful platter with extra crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Summer BBQ Side: Pair alongside grilled corn on the cob or hamburgers for a delightful outdoor meal that complements other classic cookout dishes.
• Lunch Box Delight: Pack in individual containers with a small ice pack for a refreshing and satisfying midday meal at work or school.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring to gatherings in a large serving bowl, garnished with fresh chopped chives and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to impress fellow guests.

Keeping Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing as the pasta and vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.
• Before serving leftovers, stir well and add a splash of ranch dressing to revive the creamy texture. This helps restore moisture lost during refrigeration.
• Enjoy directly from the refrigerator for best taste. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before eating.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that saves time and adds extra taste to the pasta salad.

• Is it possible to make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber to keep the dish protein-packed and delicious.

• How long can I keep this pasta salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! Rotini, bowtie, or shells work great in this recipe because they hold the creamy dressing well and create interesting texture.

Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken ranch pasta salad delivers a delightful blend of hearty ingredients and zesty ranch dressing. Cool summer gatherings welcome this simple yet satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups chicken (cooked and shredded)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) chives (chopped)

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then immediately rinse with cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Whisk together creamy dressing ingredients, creating a smooth and tangy base that will coat the pasta and other components.
3. Dice chicken and crisp bacon into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the salad.
4. Slice celery and cherry tomatoes into consistent, small chunks to distribute flavor evenly.
5. Gently fold pasta, chicken, bacon, celery, black olives, and cherry tomatoes into the prepared dressing, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated.
6. Refrigerate the pasta salad for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and dressing to absorb into ingredients.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and re-coat the ingredients for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten up this creamy pasta salad and boost protein content.
• Grill or roast chicken instead of using pre-cooked for deeper, more robust flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish friendly for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance crunch by adding toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for extra texture and nutrition.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg