Description
Cool, creamy, and absolutely loaded with tender chicken and crunchy veggies, this High-Protein Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is my go-to when I want comfort food that still feels fresh and energizing. Rotini pasta is tossed in a tangy Greek-yogurt ranch dressing, then folded together with juicy chicken breast, cheddar cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs for a satisfying bowl that works as a quick lunch, easy dinner, or make-ahead meal prep. It’s perfect for summer potlucks, busy weeknights, or whenever you need new pasta salad ideas, dinner ideas, and easy recipe food ideas that sneak in extra protein without extra fuss.
Ingredients
8 oz rotini pasta uncooked
2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk plus more as needed
1 1/2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
1 cup cucumber halved and sliced
1/3 cup red onion finely diced
3/4 cup cheddar cheese cut in small cubes or shredded
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until just al dente according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down completely. Shake off excess water.
3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and toss with a small splash of olive oil if needed to keep it from sticking.
4. In a separate medium bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, milk or buttermilk, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable but still thick enough to coat the pasta.
5. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Add an extra splash of milk if you prefer a looser consistency.
6. Add the diced cooked chicken breast to the bowl with the pasta.
7. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and cheddar cheese until everything is evenly distributed.
8. Pour most of the creamy ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until all of the pasta and chicken are well coated.
9. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or dill and add the remaining dressing if the salad looks dry.
10. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
11. Just before serving, stir the pasta salad, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
12. Serve cold, garnished with extra fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
For the best texture, don’t overcook the pasta—keep it just al dente, because it will soften slightly as it soaks up the creamy ranch dressing in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: high protein pasta salad, creamy ranch pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, summer side dish, easy lunch, meal prep, picnic salad, quick dinner, easy dinner, pasta salad recipe