Description
Enjoy a delicious Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta Salad, perfect for summer picnics or quick lunches, packed with protein and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces whole-grain or gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups diced chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use low-fat or homemade for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (can be substituted with sour cream)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Chop the ingredients: dice chicken, halve cherry tomatoes, and dice cucumber.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions; toss gently.
- Mix ranch dressing and Greek yogurt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle dressing over salad, toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
- Add shredded cheese, season with salt and pepper, and mix lightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Protein Salad, Healthy Lunch