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High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick lunch, easy dinner, and meal prep favorite that brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing in one satisfying bowl. This easy recipe is packed with protein, full of fresh flavor, and perfect for lunch ideas, dinner ideas, party food ideas, and make-ahead meals you can enjoy straight from the fridge.


Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 medium cucumber, sliced and quartered

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt


Instructions

1. Cook the rotini in salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt until smooth.

3. Add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chives to the bowl.

4. Toss everything gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy ranch dressing.

5. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend and the salad can firm up slightly.

6. Stir before serving and add a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of milk if you want to loosen the dressing.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta, because soft noodles can turn mushy once they absorb the dressing in the fridge.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Salad
  • Method: Boil and mix
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: high-protein pasta salad, creamy ranch pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, easy pasta salad, meal prep lunch, quick lunch, easy dinner, party food ideas