Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Southwest Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Southwest Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 16 ounces rotini (spiral) pasta (Source: 16 ounces rotini (spiral) pasta); 1 cup frozen corn (defrosted and drained well) (Source: 1 cup frozen corn (defrosted and drained well)); 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained well (Source: 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained well); 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (Source: 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes); 2.25 ounce can sliced olives, drained (Source: 2.25 ounce can sliced olives, drained); 1 cup cubed Colby Jack cheese (Source: 1 cup cubed Colby Jack cheese); 1 each medium red bell pepper (chopped) (Source: 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)); 4 each green onions (thinly sliced) (Source: 4 green onions (thinly sliced)); 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken) (Source: 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken)); 1 cup crushed Cool Ranch Doritos (Source: 1 cup crushed Cool Ranch Doritos); ½ cup bottled Ranch salad dressing (Source: ½ cup bottled Ranch salad dressing); ½ cup sour cream (Source: ½ cup sour cream); ½ cup chunky salsa (Source: ½ cup chunky salsa); ½ teaspoon cumin (Source: ½ teaspoon cumin); As Needed salt (Source seasoning: salt and pepper (to taste)); As Needed Black pepper (Source seasoning: salt and pepper (to taste))

Southwest Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is made with bottled Ranch salad dressing, rotini pasta, and cooked chicken.

Prep: 20 min
Total: 20 min
Original yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 16 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

SaladsSidesAmericanChickenBeans & lentilsPrep: 16–30 minutesTotal: 30 minutes or less

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Sides
Primary protein: Chicken · Beans & lentils
Cuisine: American
Preparation & total time: Prep: 16–30 minutes · Total: 30 minutes or less
Dish type: Salads

A few quick notes

1. Check the package directions

Use the package directions where the method calls for them.

2. Allow for chilling

Include the chilling step when deciding when to start.

3. Check when to cover

Follow the covered and uncovered stages in their stated order.

Get to know the ingredients

rotini (spiral) pasta

In the method: Cook the rotini pasta according the package directions.

frozen corn (defrosted and drained well)

In the method: Drain well.

can black beans, rinsed and drained well

In the method: Drain well.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Top with crushed Doritos just before serving.

A little more help as you go

Prepare the dressing

Mix and add the dressing at the steps specified.

Prepare the finishing addition

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Start with this step: Cook the rotini pasta according the package directions.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Use the package directions where the method calls for them.

What happens at the end?

Top with crushed Doritos just before serving.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Mix and add the dressing at the steps specified.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: fromvalerieskitchen.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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