Are you craving a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick and easy weekday meal? Look no further than this delightful chicken ranch pasta salad recipe. With its combination of tender chicken, pasta, crispy vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
This versatile salad is also a great way to use up leftover chicken from a roasted or grilled dish. Simply shred or dice the chicken and toss it into the salad. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking, making it a great way to incorporate your daily dose of greens and veggies.
So, gather your ingredients, put on an apron, and let’s dive into the kitchen to create this tantalizing chicken ranch pasta salad recipe.
Ingredients and Equipment:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or macaroni), cooked and drained
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make:
Making the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper until smooth.
Combining the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, celery, carrots, red onion, and parsley (and dill, if using).
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Tips or Possible Variations:
Tips:
- For a smoother dressing, blend the ingredients in a food processor until combined.
- To make a larger batch, simply double or triple the ingredients.
- If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it stand for 5 minutes.
Variations:
- Add 1 cup of chopped bacon for a smoky and savory flavor.
- Swap out the celery and carrots for chopped broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
- For a tangy twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing.
This chicken ranch pasta salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a party or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, turn up the music, and enjoy the culinary adventure of making this tantalizing chicken ranch pasta salad from scratch.