Creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad
This vibrant and creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for a satisfying lunch or a delectable side at your next gathering. With the velvety ranch dressing combined with fresh avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a protein-packed blend of chicken and bacon, this pasta salad bursts with flavor and texture. Whether you have leftovers to use up or just want a fresh, quick meal, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your palate and pantry staples. Enjoy the deliciousness of this dish while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients that will keep you satisfied.
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2 (1 ounce package, dry)
Milk
1/2 (cup, whole or low-fat)
Mayonnaise
1/2 (cup, regular or light)
Dry pasta
3 (cups, Farfalle or your choice, cooked)
Avocado
1 (cut into small cubes)
Cherry tomatoes
10 (quartered)
Cooked chicken
3/4 (cup, cubed)
Cooked bacon
1/2 (cup, cut into pieces)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the creamy ranch dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix with the milk and mayonnaise. Stir well until smooth and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.
2
While the dressing is chilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled ranch dressing with the cooked pasta, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Gently fold in the cubed avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes, cubed cooked chicken, and chopped bacon.
4
Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or extra ranch dressing according to your preference.
5
Serve immediately for a fresh meal, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours for the flavors to marry. Enjoy your creamy and satisfying pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad?
This is a vibrant and creamy pasta salad featuring a velvety ranch dressing, fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a protein-packed blend of chicken and bacon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of a 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
How long should I chill the dressing?
You should refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3 cups of Farfalle or your choice of dry pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Can I use light mayonnaise for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either regular or light mayonnaise for the ranch dressing.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use 1/2 cup of either whole or low-fat milk.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of cooked chicken, cut into cubes.
How much bacon should I add?
Add 1/2 cup of cooked bacon that has been cut into pieces.
How should the avocado be prepared?
The avocado should be cut into small cubes and gently folded into the pasta salad.
How many cherry tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses 10 cherry tomatoes, which should be quartered.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately for a fresh meal or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This pasta salad provides 10g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a great lunch option and a satisfying side dish.
Is this a good dish for summer?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as a summer dish and is perfect for gatherings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is highly customizable.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while Farfalle is suggested, you can use any dry pasta of your choice.
Should I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra ranch dressing as preferred.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, this recipe is great for using up leftover chicken or other pantry staples.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Stir the ranch dressing mix, milk, and mayonnaise well in a mixing bowl until the consistency is smooth.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and cook the pasta ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and refrigerate for no more than 2 hours before serving to keep the avocado fresh.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified, but the avocado and tomatoes will provide some natural fiber.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is a pasta salad and can be served as a side dish or a main lunch dish.
Can I add more ranch dressing?
Yes, the recipe encourages adjusting the amount of ranch dressing to suit your personal preference.