Introduction
This Southwest Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. You get creamy ranch dressing, smoky spices, fresh veggies, and the irresistible crunch of Cool Ranch Doritos in every bite. It’s a satisfying meal that combines classic pasta salad comfort with bold Southwest flair.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini (spiral) pasta
- 1 cup frozen corn (defrosted and drained well)
- 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained well
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2.25 ounce can sliced olives, drained
- 1 cup cubed Colby Jack cheese
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup crushed Cool Ranch Doritos
- ½ cup bottled Ranch salad dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chunky salsa
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the 16 ounces of rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and let it cool completely.
- While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the ½ cup Ranch dressing, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup chunky salsa, and ½ teaspoon cumin until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, 1 cup defrosted corn, the rinsed and drained can of black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, the drained can of sliced olives, 1 cup cubed Colby Jack cheese, the chopped red bell pepper, and the sliced green onions.
- Add the 1 ½ cups of chopped cooked chicken. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Fold in the 1 cup of crushed Cool Ranch Doritos just before serving to maintain their crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Variations
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Ranch dressing and low-fat sour cream, or swap half the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
- Serve the salad inside lettuce cups or a hollowed-out tortilla bowl for a fun, handheld presentation.
- Make it vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken; the beans and cheese provide plenty of protein.
- To add a spicy kick, use a spicy Ranch dressing or a hotter variety of salsa.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the pasta, corn, and beans, are well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
- To crush the Doritos easily, place them in a sealed zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
- The salad (minus the Doritos) can be made a few hours ahead. Keep it chilled, then fold in the crushed chips right before serving to keep them crispy.
- Letting the mixed salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before adding the chips allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the Doritos will lose their crunch over time, so for best texture, add fresh crushed chips to individual portions as you eat the leftovers. This salad is best served cold and is not recommended for reheating.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep all the components ahead and mix them a few hours before serving, but wait to add the crushed Doritos until the last possible moment.
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can use any cooked, shredded chicken such as grilled, baked, or poached chicken breast.
Is there a substitute for Colby Jack cheese?
Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend are all excellent substitutes.
My salad seems dry. What should I do?
The pasta can absorb dressing over time. Simply stir in an extra tablespoon or two of Ranch dressing or sour cream to refresh it.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! You’ll need about 1 cup of cooked corn kernels. Grilled corn would add a wonderful smoky flavor.
