Description
This creamy ranch protein pasta salad is a quick dinner, easy recipe, and perfect meal prep option. Packed with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich ranch dressing, it’s one of the best food ideas for lunch or dinner ideas that are both satisfying and simple.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta
2 chicken breasts
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cucumber sliced
1/2 cup red onion chopped
1 cup bell peppers chopped
1 cup shredded cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
4. Chop broccoli, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large bowl, mix ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
6. Add cooled pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
7. Add chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and sliced chicken.
8. Gently mix everything until fully combined and coated.
9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
10. Stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve chilled.
Notes
Let the pasta cool completely before mixing to keep the dressing thick and creamy.
Rest the chicken before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness.
Add a little extra dressing before serving if the salad has been refrigerated for a while.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, healthy snack, meal prep, pasta salad, dinner ideas, food ideas