Creamy Ranch Protein Pasta Salad
A nutritious twist on a classic pasta salad, featuring creamy Greek yogurt and vibrant veggies, perfect for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta (or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creamiest texture)
- 1/4 cup milk (plus more if needed for consistency)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (approximately 30g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cucumber (diced, English cucumbers preferred)
- 1/4 red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Strain the pasta immediately and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, ranch seasoning, and protein powder until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add to the bowl with dressing. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley. Gently fold together.
- Season & Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, add bell peppers or carrots. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://www.nailzspa.com/creamy-ranch-protein-pasta-salad/