Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Have you ever wondered how a single dish can perfectly combine flavor, texture, and convenience? If you’re seeking the ultimate summer dish that is both refreshing and satisfying, look no further than this Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad. Bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s the perfect meal for picnics, potlucks, or a simple dinner at home. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but is also quick to prepare, making it a favorite among busy families.

Ingredients List

To create your Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or any favorite shape)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (grilled or rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped (English cucumbers are recommended for a crunchier bite)
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions:

• Use quinoa or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a tangy, lighter dressing.

Timing

Preparing the Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is a breeze. Here’s how the timing breaks down:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

This time is approximately 20% less than the average pasta salad recipe, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal than preparing it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper and grill or sauté until fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes). Once cooled, dice it into bite-sized pieces. For an easier option, use pre-cooked store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

While the pasta and chicken are cooling, chop your veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and celery. Fresh, vibrant vegetables elevate the flavor and nutrition of your pasta salad!

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This creamy base is what makes the dish truly irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, vegetables, and cheddar cheese into the bowl of dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Don’t rush – this ensures every bite is filled with flavor!

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your salad. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper depending on your palate.

Nutritional Information

This Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad serves about 4-6 people and provides the following nutritional benefits per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

The protein from the chicken and cheese, combined with the fiber from the vegetables, offers a balanced dish perfect for an active lifestyle.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this dish even healthier, consider these modifications:

• Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for added protein and probiotics.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Opt for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content, helping you feel full longer.
• Incorporate Spinach: Adding fresh spinach or kale provides an extra nutrient boost without altering the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of dill or extra cheese. Pair it with:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad complements the richness of the pasta.
• Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled veggies adds a smoky contrast that enhances the overall meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Always aim for al dente; overly soft pasta can lead to a mushy salad.
2. Overdressing: Start with less dressing and gradually add more to avoid sogginess.
3. Serving Immediately: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and gives the pasta time to absorb the dressing.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Prep Ahead: Cook the pasta and chicken in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to combine them with the dressing and vegetables.

Conclusion

In summary, this Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is not only quick and easy but also customizable and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, it invites creativity and is easily adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Go ahead and give this recipe a try! We’d love to hear your feedback or see how you personalized your salad. Remember to share this post with friends or explore our blog for more delectable recipes!

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the pasta salad?

It’s best consumed fresh; freezing the pasta salad may affect its texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of ranch dressing?

You can try Italian dressing or Greek yogurt-based dressings for a different flavor profile.

How long does this dish last in the fridge?

It will last for about 3 days in the fridge, though you might want to keep the cheese separate until serving for best freshness.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

A refreshing and satisfying pasta salad bursting with vibrant flavors, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple dinner at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or any favorite shape)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (grilled or rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped (English cucumbers are recommended for a crunchier bite)
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions

• Use quinoa or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a tangy, lighter dressing.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper and grill or sauté until fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes). Once cooled, dice it into bite-sized pieces.
• While the pasta and chicken are cooling, chop your veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and celery.
• In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and fresh dill. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Mixing

• Add the cooked pasta, chicken, vegetables, and cheddar cheese into the bowl of dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Before serving, taste your salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Notes

Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of dill or extra cheese. Prep ahead by cooking the pasta and chicken in advance, storing them separately until you're ready to combine with the dressing and vegetables.

Keyword Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad, Healthy Options, Pasta Salad, Quick Recipes, Summer Salad

Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 contact@dailypan.com • Pinterest