Go Back
To create a delicious Grilled Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at the staples that make this dish stand out:

Grilled Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Grilled Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad, a perfect summer dish that combines tender grilled chicken, colorful fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing. This easy-to-make salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners. Learn the tips for selecting the best ingredients and customizing your salad to suit your taste. It's not just delicious but also a nutritious option that everyone will love, making it a staple in your meal rotation.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, grilled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)

1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they are fully cooked through and have nice grill marks. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

      Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, shredded carrots, and corn. Gently toss these fresh ingredients together until they are evenly combined.

        Mix Pasta and Dressing: Incorporate the cooled rotini pasta into the bowl with the vegetables. Pour in the ranch dressing, using a spatula or spoon to stir everything together gently, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

          Add Chicken and Cheese: Carefully fold in the chopped grilled chicken and shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Make sure you mix everything until just combined for a delightful blend of flavors.

            Garnish and Serve: For a touch of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the salad just before serving. You can serve this dish immediately, or for an even tastier experience, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Enjoy: Serve the Grilled Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature as a delicious and satisfying meal or side dish that everyone will love!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6