Description
This Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender pasta enveloped in a rich, tangy ranch dressing. Each bite bursts with the freshness of crisp vegetables and the satisfying crunch of protein-packed ingredients, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
- Protein: 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams
Keywords: Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta Salad, pasta salad, ranch dressing, high-protein salad, chicken pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, healthy salad, meal prep, quick recipes, cold pasta salad, creamy salad, vegetable salad