Chilled Ranch Chicken Noodle Salad
Beat the heat with this refreshing and satisfying Chilled Ranch Chicken Noodle Salad! Perfect for hot summer days, this dish takes just 15 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking in the oven, keeping your kitchen cool. With only three main ingredients, it’s simple yet delicious. The combination of tender chunk chicken, curly egg noodles, and creamy ranch dressing make this salad not only quick and easy, but also packed with flavor. For an extra burst of freshness, feel free to add in chopped cilantro or your favorite cold vegetables. Serve it alongside chilled applesauce and crispy club crackers for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Quick to whip up, it’s a fantastic choice for picnics, potlucks, or any busy weeknight!
4-6
Servings
160
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chunk Chicken Breasts
1 (13 ounces, canned and drained)
Curly Egg Noodles
3 (cups, dry)
Ranch Dressing
1/2-3/4 (cup)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the dry curly egg noodles.
2
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
4
In a large salad bowl, use a fork to break the canned chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
5
Add the cooled and drained noodles to the bowl with the chicken. Gently mix together until well combined.
6
Pour in the ranch dressing, starting with 1/2 cup. Stir gently to coat the chicken and noodles thoroughly. Add more dressing as desired for your preferred level of creaminess.
7
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure even flavor distribution.
8
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
15g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Ranch Chicken Noodle Salad?
It is a refreshing and satisfying meal consisting of tender chunk chicken, curly egg noodles, and creamy ranch dressing, typically served cold.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The preparation takes about 15 minutes, not including the 30-minute chilling time.
What are the main ingredients for Chilled Ranch Chicken Noodle Salad?
The three main ingredients are canned chunk chicken breast, dry curly egg noodles, and ranch dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes between 4 and 6 servings.
What kind of noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of dry curly egg noodles.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
How do I cook the egg noodles for this recipe?
Boil the noodles in a large pot for 8 to 10 minutes until they are al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, while the recipe specifies 13 ounces of canned and drained chunk chicken, you can substitute it with cooked and shredded fresh chicken breast.
What should I do after cooking the noodles?
You should rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.
How much ranch dressing is required?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/2 cup and increasing up to 3/4 cup depending on your preference for creaminess.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
It is best to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add vegetables to this chicken noodle salad?
Yes, you can add cold vegetables or chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This salad pairs well with chilled applesauce and crispy club crackers.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 8 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is designed to beat the heat as it is a cold dish and requires no oven cooking.
Do I need to season the salad?
Yes, you should season the salad with salt and pepper to taste before chilling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to mix the chicken and noodles?
Use a fork to break the chicken into bite-sized pieces and gently mix it with the cooled noodles.
Are there any tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include salad, chicken salad, ranch dressing, noodle salad, quick recipe, summer meals, easy cooking, and no cook.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
The provided nutritional data lists fiber and sugar as null or unavailable.
Should the chicken be drained?
Yes, the canned chunk chicken should be drained before being added to the bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its quick preparation and cold serving temperature make it ideal for picnics and potlucks.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size in weight is not provided, but the recipe serves 4-6 people.
Can I use different types of dressing?
While ranch is the signature flavor, you could experiment with other creamy dressings if preferred.
Is this recipe considered 'No Cook'?
It is tagged as 'no cook' because it requires no oven use, though you do need to boil the noodles on a stovetop.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Stir the noodles occasionally while they are boiling to prevent them from sticking together.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 5 total ingredients: chicken, noodles, ranch, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe easy to scale for more people?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.