Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Summer Recipe
A vibrant, protein-packed pasta salad featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade avocado ranch dressing. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, meal prep, or as a light summer main course. The creamy avocado dressing provides healthy fats while keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings (main dish) or 12 servings (side dish)
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Cook Assembly (after pasta cooking)
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
For Dressing:
- 2 large ripe avocados
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives
- Salt, pepper, onion powder to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water
- Toss cooled pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cook or prepare chicken; dice and let cool completely
- Prep all vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, onion)
- Blend avocados, sour cream, buttermilk, lime juice, garlic, ranch seasoning, herbs, and spices until smooth
- Combine pasta, chicken, vegetables, cheese, and bacon in large bowl
- Pour avocado ranch dressing over salad and toss to coat
- Fold in fresh cilantro
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving (optional but recommended)
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation
- Pasta can be cooked 1-2 days ahead and stored separately
- Reserve some dressing if making ahead; add before serving
- Press plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent avocado browning
- Refresh leftovers with lime juice and salt before serving
- Best consumed within 3 days
Find it online: https://recipya.com/creamy-avocado-ranch-chicken-pasta-salad/