Description
The ultimate crowd-pleasing dish combining creamy textures with an irresistible nacho-cheese crunch. This fun twist on pasta salad features tender rotisserie chicken, a zesty salsa-ranch dressing, and bold, crumbled chips perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cavatappi noodles (dry)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups crumbled Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella/cheddar blend
- 1 bunch green onions (chopped)
- 1 cup chunky salsa (medium), 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup ranch
- 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Boil & Cool: Cook cavatappi per package directions. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Dry: Pat noodles dry with a paper towel. This ensures the dressing adheres to the pasta rather than becoming watery.
Dressing: Whisk mayo, ranch, salsa, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the dried noodles in the mixture until coated.
Mix: Fold in shredded chicken, green onions, and cheese blend until evenly distributed.
Crunch: Just before serving, stir in the crumbled Doritos. Serve immediately to enjoy the signature crunch.
Notes
The Golden Rule of Crunch: Chips will eventually soften in the dressing. If meal prepping, only add chips to the individual portion you are about to serve.
Cavatappi Advantage: The spiral ridges are ideal for trapping the dressing, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Temperature Matters: Ensure pasta is completely cold before mixing. Warm noodles will thin the dressing and result in a soggy salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: Stovetop / Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 910
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 65
Keywords: doritos chicken pasta salad, nacho cheese pasta salad, taco pasta salad with chicken, easy potluck recipes, ranch salsa pasta salad