Description
This creamy ranch protein pasta salad is a quick lunch, easy dinner, and meal prep favorite packed with tender pasta, seasoned chicken, crisp broccoli, juicy tomatoes, cucumber, and a creamy ranch dressing. It is one of those easy recipe ideas that works for busy weekdays, healthy snack style portions, dinner ideas, lunch bowls, and simple food ideas when you want something cold, filling, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound chicken breast
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain, rinse lightly with cool water, and let it cool completely.
2. Season the chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, milk, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
5. Add the cooled pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped chicken to the bowl.
6. Toss everything until evenly coated in the creamy ranch dressing.
7. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
Let the pasta cool before mixing so the dressing stays creamy instead of soaking in too quickly.
Cut the vegetables into small, even pieces so every bite feels balanced.
If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy ranch protein pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, easy dinner, quick lunch, meal prep, pasta salad recipe, food ideas