Creamy, tangy, and loaded with juicy chicken and crunchy veggies, this High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is the kind of bowl that disappears way faster than I ever expect. The first time I made it, I caught myself “taste-testing” so many forkfuls that I had to portion out the rest before my family came to the table.

I love that it feels like classic potluck comfort food but quietly packs in a serious amount of protein thanks to tender chicken breast and a Greek-yogurt based ranch dressing. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal for lunch, yet cool and refreshing enough to share at cookouts, summer parties, or as a make-ahead dinner on hot days.

What Makes This High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad So Good?

For me, the magic of this pasta salad is balance. The creamy ranch dressing clings to every twist of pasta, but the fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion keep each bite bright and crunchy. The chicken adds satisfying protein so this isn’t just a side dish that leaves you hungry an hour later—it’s a full, forkable meal.

I also love how customizable it is. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even meal-prepped chicken breasts from earlier in the week. Swap in your favorite short pasta shape, toss in extra veggies, or sprinkle on a little more cheese if that’s your love language. This recipe works just as beautifully for weekday meal prep as it does for a weekend barbecue spread.

Ingredients for the High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Before we cook, let me walk you through the key ingredients and why I lean on each one.

Rotini pasta – The corkscrew shape is perfect for catching all that creamy ranch dressing in its little ridges, so every bite is flavorful.
Cooked chicken breast – Lean, tender chicken is the main source of protein here and turns a simple pasta salad into a full, satisfying meal.
Plain Greek yogurt – This lightens up the dressing while adding creaminess and a big protein boost without relying solely on mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise – Just enough to give the dressing that classic ranch richness and familiar deli-style flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix – The shortcut hero that brings all the zesty, herby ranch flavor with almost no effort.
Milk or buttermilk – Loosens the dressing so it coats the pasta instead of clumping, and adds a gentle tang.
Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dressing and keeps the flavors from feeling heavy.
Cheddar cheese – Little cubes or shreds of sharp cheddar give salty, creamy pops of flavor and more protein.
Cherry or grape tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, they cut through the richness and add pretty color.
Cucumber – Cool and crunchy, it adds refreshing bite and extra hydration in every forkful.
Red onion – Just a small amount gives that savory, slightly sharp contrast that ranch dressing loves.
Fresh parsley or dill – A handful of herbs wakes up the whole bowl and makes it taste super fresh.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing all of the flavors together.

How To Make the High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Making this pasta salad is mostly about smart layering and giving the flavors a little time to mingle. Here’s exactly how I pull it together in my kitchen.

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

I start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the rotini until it’s just al dente—tender but still with a little bite. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy once it sits in the dressing, so it’s worth checking it a minute or two early. As soon as it’s done, I drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.

Once the pasta is drained well, I transfer it to a large mixing bowl and toss it with a small splash of olive oil so the pieces don’t stick together while I prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Ranch Dressing

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, milk or buttermilk, and fresh lemon juice. I like to start with a splash of milk and add more as needed until the dressing is smooth and pourable, but still thick enough to cling to the pasta. A pinch of salt and pepper finishes it off. If I have time, I let the dressing sit for a few minutes so the ranch flavors can bloom.

Step 3: Add the Protein and Veggies

Next comes the fun part: building the salad. I add the diced cooked chicken breast to the cooled pasta, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and cheddar cheese. At this point it already looks like a party in the bowl—lots of color and texture.

I sprinkle in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill and gently toss everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed before the dressing goes on.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

I pour most of the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until every piece looks nicely coated. If it seems a little dry, I drizzle on the remaining dressing. Remember that the pasta will continue to absorb some of the moisture as it chills, so it’s okay if it looks slightly saucier than you think you want at first.

Once everything is combined, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes (an hour or two is even better). This resting time lets the flavors meld and the ranch soak into the chicken and pasta.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Right before serving, I give the salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Sometimes it needs just a pinch more salt, a grind of black pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon to wake it back up after chilling. I like to finish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top so it looks as vibrant as it tastes.

How to Serve and Store High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile. I often serve it as a main dish for lunch, scooped into big bowls with a little extra chopped parsley on top. It’s also a perfect side for grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or anything coming off the barbecue.

For storing, I keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days, which makes it ideal for meal prep. If it thickens up too much in the fridge, I simply stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to loosen the dressing before serving again.

If you’re packing it for work or school lunches, I recommend portioning it into individual containers so it’s truly grab-and-go. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat.

What to Serve With High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken Skewers

If you’re serving this pasta salad as a side at a cookout, simple grilled chicken skewers are a natural match. The smoky char from the grill plays so nicely with the cool, creamy ranch dressing.

Garlic Bread or Cheese Toast

Warm, toasty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra dressing from the bottom of the bowl. I especially love pairing it with buttery cheese toast on busy weeknights.

Smoky BBQ Chicken or Ribs

Anything with barbecue sauce is a winner next to this salad. The sweet-smoky flavors of BBQ contrast beautifully with the tangy ranch and fresh vegetables.

Simple Green Salad

If I want to keep things extra light, I’ll serve a crisp green salad on the side with a bright vinaigrette. The extra greens make the meal feel even more nourishing without much extra effort.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Juicy watermelon, berries, or pineapple are a refreshing way to round out a summer meal with this pasta salad. The natural sweetness is just right after a creamy, savory dish.

Want More Pasta Salad and Salad Ideas?

If you’re as obsessed with hearty, creamy salads as I am, you’ll probably fall in love with these other favorites on Savor Queen:

Try my Creamy Crab Pasta Salad when you’re craving a seafood spin with sweet crab and tender pasta.
For a veggie-packed bowl with a zesty twist, make this Tex-Mex Salad—it’s colorful, crunchy, and perfect for potlucks.
Craving something bright and tangy? California Spaghetti Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and a punchy Italian-style dressing.
If you love a good green goddess moment, my Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad brings roasted veggies and a herby, creamy dressing together in one dreamy bowl.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find the next time you need a quick lunch idea, a picnic side dish, or an easy make-ahead dinner.

If you play with the recipe—maybe add crispy bacon, swap in whole wheat pasta, or toss in extra veggies—I’d love to hear what you tried. Share your tweaks and questions in the comments so we can all get inspired.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations from Savor Queen over on Pinterest. Your next favorite recipe might be waiting there.