Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

This recipe for Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is super easy to make, even I can make this, travels well, and is packed with flavor from the ranch dressing and crunchy vegetables.

Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes (for pasta) Chill time: 3 hours (recommended) Serves: 6-8

For the Salad:

• 1 pound (16 oz) short pasta (rotini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion (or green onions for a milder flavor)
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Optional additions: ½ cup frozen peas, thawed; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Ranch Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk (use less for a thicker dressing)
• 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch dressing mix (or 2-3 Tbsp of store-bought Ranch dressing)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ tsp black pepper

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain well.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl (big enough to hold the whole salad), whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk (or milk), Ranch dressing mix, vinegar, and black pepper until completely smooth. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
3. Combine the Salad: Add the cooled, drained pasta, diced chicken, celery, red onion, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese (if using) to the bowl with the dressing.
4. Toss and Chill: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
5. Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to fully meld. If the salad seems a little dry after chilling, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of milk or mayo before serving.

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Picnic Safety Tip: Because this dish contains a mayonnaise-based dressing and chicken, always keep it chilled in a cooler with ice packs, and do not let it sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Yummy chicken pasta