Description
A creamy and satisfying pasta salad made with tender chicken, rotini pasta, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a rich ranch-style dressing. Perfect for make-ahead meals, gatherings, or easy lunches, this dish balances comfort and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 340 g rotini pasta
- 450 g cooked chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 120 g sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain well and allow it to cool slightly.
- Slice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape after chilling.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances flavor and texture.
- If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a spoon of sour cream before serving.
- Adjust seasoning just before serving for best balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, make ahead salad, easy chicken salad