Go Back

High Protein Chicken Taco Ranch Pasta Salad - A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces high-protein pasta (like chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup light ranch dressing (more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen thawed or canned drained)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the high-protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, light ranch, taco seasoning, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if you like it bolder.
  3. Add the chicken: Fold in the diced or shredded chicken so it gets coated with the dressing. This helps flavor the chicken and keeps it juicy.
  4. Toss in the mix-ins: Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cheese. If using, add cilantro and jalapeño.
  5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. If it looks a bit dry, stir in a splash more ranch or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
  6. Chill and serve: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, taste and adjust with more lime, salt, pepper, or taco seasoning as needed.