Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a smooth, tangy avocado ranch dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for picnics, BBQs, lunches, or light dinners. Every bite is cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is far from boring. The homemade (or shortcut) avocado ranch dressing adds a creamy, herby richness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and crunchy vegetables. It’s high in protein, full of texture, and totally customizable with your favorite pasta and mix-ins. Plus, it’s just as delicious cold as it is slightly warm, making it ideal for any season or occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

• Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
• Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, chopped
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Shredded carrots
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
• Bacon crumbles (optional for crunch and flavor)

For the creamy avocado ranch dressing:

• Ripe avocado
• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Buttermilk or milk
• Garlic
• Fresh dill, parsley, and chives (or ranch seasoning)
• Lime or lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil (optional, for added richness)

directions

this recipe

1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, yogurt, buttermilk, garlic, herbs, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with more buttermilk or water, and season to taste.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, carrots, and herbs.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat thoroughly.
5. Chill for at least 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with bacon crumbles or more herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 15–30 minutes
Total time: approx. 45 minutes

Variations

• Use grilled chicken for smoky flavor.
• Add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for a Southwestern twist.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding chickpeas or hard-boiled eggs.
• Swap pasta for quinoa or couscous for a lighter grain-based salad.
• Add feta or cheddar for an extra creamy, tangy bite.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken. Not suitable for freezing. Best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Yes. To save time, blend ranch dressing with ripe avocado for a quick creamy shortcut.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

The lime or lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning. Store tightly covered to limit air exposure.

What pasta works best?

Short pastas like rotini, shells, or penne work great for catching the creamy dressing.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this salad holds up well. Just give it a stir and adjust seasoning before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and check all labels on ingredients like ranch seasoning.

Can I make the dressing dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt and milk alternative like almond or oat milk.

Is it good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It’s a great grab-and-go lunch or dinner for busy weekdays.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s best chilled or at room temperature, but slightly warm pasta is okay if serving right away.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken all work. Make sure it’s well-seasoned for added flavor.

Can I add cheese?

Definitely. Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or even small mozzarella balls work well.

Conclusion

Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful, filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight meals to summer cookouts. With its vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and rich avocado dressing, this pasta salad is both comforting and refreshing. Easy to make, easy to love, and even easier to eat—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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