Creamy Cucumber Ranch Chicken Macaroni Salad

Cindi’s Chicken Macaroni Salad 🥗

Overview:

Cindi’s Chicken Macaroni Salad is a delightful concoction that brings together the comforting flavors of cooked chicken or turkey, vibrant vegetables, and creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish, this recipe is a testament to family favorites and culinary ingenuity. With a touch of sweetness and a hint of tanginess, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups cooked turkey or chicken 🍗
• 2 cups macaroni 🍝
• 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper 🌶️
• 2/3 cup chopped celery 🥬
• 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped onions 🧅
• 8 ounces cubed colby cheese 🧀
• 8 ounces peas, thawed if frozen 🌱
• 1 cup salad dressing 🥗
• 1 1/2 cups Kraft’s Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing 🥒

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

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2. Combine Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked turkey or chicken, cooked macaroni, diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, finely chopped onions, cubed colby cheese, and peas.

3. Add Dressings: Pour in the salad dressing and Kraft’s Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.

5. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve cold as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite main course. Enjoy the delicious flavors and refreshing crunch with every bite!

Tips and Substitutions:

• Meat Quantity: Feel free to adjust the amount of cooked turkey or chicken according to your preference. If you’re a meat lover like Cindi, go ahead and add 3 cups for an extra protein boost.
• Cheese Swap: While colby cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor to the salad, you can substitute it with mild cheddar cheese if preferred.
• Dressing Preference: Cindi swears by Kraft’s Creamy Cucumber Ranch Salad Dressing for its unique flavor profile, but you can use any regular ranch salad dressing as an alternative.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 277
• Fat Content: 12g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5.9g
• Cholesterol Content: 57.1mg
• Sodium Content: 377.1mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 24.2g
• Fiber Content: 2.1g
• Sugar Content: 4.8g
• Protein Content: 17.6g

Serving Size and Yield:

• Yield: Approximately 4 1/2 lbs. of salad
• Serving Size: Serve generous portions of this hearty salad to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers for days to come.

Recipe Notes:

• Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknights. Prepare it the night before and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• Enjoyment: Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or a party pleaser, Cindi’s Chicken Macaroni Salad is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Enjoy the vibrant colors, refreshing crunch, and irresistible flavors with every forkful!