Looking for a tasty and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and al dente pasta? This chicken ranch pasta salad is your answer. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
This recipe combines the rich flavors of ranch dressing with colorful vegetables and hearty pasta, resulting in a deliciously creamy and refreshing salad. It’s the perfect blend of savory and satisfying, making it a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients That Shine
This pasta salad is a canvas of vibrant ingredients.
Tender diced chicken brings heartiness, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor.
Crisp cucumbers lend a refreshing crunch, making each bite enjoyable.
Complementing these are diced red bell peppers and finely chopped red onions, introducing a hint of sweetness and crunch.
Together, they create a colorful medley that is not only appealing but also nutritious.
Rich Ranch Dressing
A key component of this dish is the ranch dressing.
It envelops the pasta and ingredients in a creamy embrace, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, the dressing adds a rich, tangy element that ties everything together.
This dressing is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices for a unique twist!
The Perfect Pasta
The choice of pasta can significantly impact the salad’s texture.
Penne or rotini work wonderfully, offering a perfect surface to catch the ranch dressing.
Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures a pleasant bite and prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
It’s essential to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking, which aids in cooling it down and halting the cooking process.
This step keeps the pasta firm and ensures it harmonizes well with the cool, creamy dressing.
Chilling for Flavor
Not only does chilling improve flavor, but it also makes serving easier.
A well-chilled pasta salad is refreshing, perfect for warm days or gatherings.
Enjoying this salad means indulging in a dish that is both comforting and nourishing.
It’s the kind of meal that can be a staple in your cooking repertoire, ready to impress at any gathering.
Delicious Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
This creamy chicken ranch pasta salad features tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich ranch dressing tossed with pasta. The combination of flavors creates a delightful dish that is both hearty and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
