Description
Creamy ranch shell pasta salad with smoky chicken combines tender shell pasta, smoked or grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a rich ranch‑based dressing.
Ingredients
12 oz shell pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (smoked or grilled)
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, diced
4 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
3/4 cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook shell pasta until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until fully cooled.
3. Add the cooled pasta, chicken, broccoli, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheddar cheese to a large bowl.
4. Whisk together ranch dressing, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use smoked or grilled chicken for a rich smoky flavor.
Add a little more ranch before serving if the salad looks dry.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg