Description
Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and hearty dish packed with tender chicken, pasta, crisp veggies, and a luscious avocado ranch dressing. It’s a perfect make-ahead lunch, picnic favorite, or side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 avocado, ripe
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Pour avocado ranch dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if using. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add extras like corn, bacon bits, or shredded cheese for variety.
- Can be made up to a day in advance—just stir before serving.
- Use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg