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Simple High Protein Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy high-protein pasta salad featuring homemade ranch dressing, chicken, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying meal or potluck dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the dressing feels too thick, thin it slightly with a teaspoon of milk or water.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and shred 1/4 cup carrots. Dice or shred about 1 cup cooked chicken breast. Rinse and drain 1 cup canned chickpeas.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked, cooled pasta, chicken, chickpeas, and chopped vegetables. Pour the ranch dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until well coated. If desired, toss in 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions for brightness and toss lightly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after chilling. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Make ranch dressing ahead to let flavors bloom. Soak red onion in cold water if you want to mellow its sharpness. Toss pasta with olive oil if serving outside the fridge to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: high protein, ranch pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy meals, quick salad, homemade ranch dressing, chicken pasta salad

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/simple-high-protein-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-for-easy-healthy-meals/