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Creamy Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy creamy ranch chicken pasta salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, crunchy celery, and a luscious ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, quick dinners, or lazy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz pasta (rotini or bowtie)
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, shred 12 oz rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces using forks or kitchen shears. Discard skin and bones. If chicken is cold, microwave for 15-20 seconds to make shredding easier.
  3. Finely dice ½ cup red onion and chop 1 cup celery.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Pour dressing over and gently fold until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, stir gently and add extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad fresh. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving for best taste. Soak red onion in cold water if sensitive to raw onion sharpness. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy ranch chicken pasta salad, rotisserie chicken salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, quick dinner, creamy dressing, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/creamy-ranch-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-potluck-dish/