Chicken Beef Ranch Pasta Salad

Chicken Beef Ranch Pasta Salad

This Chicken Beef Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate mashup of comfort and freshness — with tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy beef, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine, and a creamy ranch dressing. It’s bold, tangy, savory, and has that classic ranch flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds. Serve it as a side, a potluck star, or a complete meal that delivers both flavor and satisfaction.

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes
• Total Time: 30–45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups rotini or fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed (grilled or rotisserie)
• 6 slices beef, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (use mixed red/yellow if desired)
• 1/2 cup shredded or chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

For the Ranch Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook rotini according to package instructions in salted water until al dente.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Chicken &Beef:
   • If not using rotisserie, season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then dice.
   • Cook beef until crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
3. Make the Ranch Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken,beef, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and cheddar cheese (if using).
   • Pour in the ranch dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Chill or Serve:
   • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
   •  Tips

• Cool pasta fully before mixing to avoid wilting the lettuce or melting the dressing.
• Make it ahead: Perfect for meal prep! Just add lettuce right before serving to keep it crisp.
• Chicken options: Use leftover grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie, or even crispy chicken tenders.
• Customize the ranch: Add chopped chives, hot sauce, or pickle juice for extra flavor.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: Add 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce to the dressing and use blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar.
• Avocado Twist: Add chopped avocado or use avocado ranch dressing.
• Healthy Swap: Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey beef.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and beef, and add roasted chickpeas or smoked tofu.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the dressing.

Q&A

Q: Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
A: Yes! About 3/4 to 1 cup of your favorite ranch works great in a pinch.

Q: Can this salad be served warm?
A: It’s best chilled or room temp, but you can serve it slightly warm if not adding lettuce.

Q: How do I keep the salad from drying out?
A: If prepping ahead, reserve a bit of extra dressing and mix it in just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: No, freezing isn’t recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1/8 Recipe)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg

(Estimates may vary based on brands and portions used.)

Conclusion

This Chicken beef Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of comfort and crunch — creamy ranch dressing coats hearty rotini, savory chicken, smoky beef, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or just craving a one-bowl wonder, this salad never disappoints. Quick to make and totally crave-worthy!