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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!