Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with protein and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta Salad! Perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful dish for your next gathering, this recipe combines the wholesome goodness of whole wheat pasta with tender shredded chicken and vibrant veggies, all coated in a rich ranch dressing. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make pasta salad that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of whole wheat pasta, 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/4 cup of sliced green onions, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Peel and dice the cucumber into small cubes. Slice the green onions, using both the white and green parts for added flavor.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced green onions.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate the seasonings.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning or ranch dressing if necessary.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the creamy ranch protein pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: To ensure your pasta retains a perfect texture, cook it al dente according to the package instructions. This will help it hold up better in the salad.
- Cool the Pasta Quickly: After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy and helps maintain its shape.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, carrots, or even corn can add extra crunch and flavor to your salad.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For an even tastier salad, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, making it a convenient option for lunch or dinner.
- Add Some Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts, just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
