Ranch Turkey and Pasta Salad 🥗
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 7
Calories: 335.3 per serving
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Description
This Ranch Turkey and Pasta Salad recipe serves as a versatile base, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite fresh herbs like thyme or basil. The chilling time of at least 2 hours ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup turkey breast, cooked and diced
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper or lemon pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and drain again to remove excess water.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the diced zucchinis, chopped green and red bell peppers, grated Parmesan cheese, and diced turkey breast.
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Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
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Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper, or for a zesty twist, use lemon pepper seasoning.
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Chill: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste of the salad.
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Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good toss to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the ranch dressing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 335.3
- Fat: 17.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Cholesterol: 41.5mg
- Sodium: 353.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 27.9g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 16.9g
Keywords
Penne, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Less than 60 Minutes, Refrigerator
Tips and Variations
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or basil to add layers of flavor to your salad.
- Extra Protein: Boost the protein content of the salad by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumber for a vegetarian version.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the ranch dressing for a different dressing of your choice.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Ranch Turkey and Pasta Salad as a satisfying lunch or snack option!