High Protein Extra Creamy Pasta Salad
This high protein extra creamy pasta salad is a crowd-friendly, make-ahead side made with elbow macaroni, fiber-rich veggies, and a tangy ranch-yogurt dressing. It’s quick to prep, perfect for BBQs and potlucks, and chills into an even creamier, more flavorful salad for easy lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) yields about 4 cups cooked
- ½ cup shredded celery root (canned or jarred) drained and rinsed well
- ½ cup shredded carrots (canned or jarred) drained and rinsed well
- 1 can corn kernels drained (about 106 mL / 3.6 fl oz)
- 4 green onions sliced (about 4–5)
Creamy High-Protein Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp olive juice or pickle juice
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- salt to taste
- chili flakes to taste
Instructions
Assemble the Salad
- Cook the elbow macaroni in generously salted water until just tender. Drain well and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking.
- Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Stir in the shredded celery root, shredded carrots, drained corn, and sliced green onions.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, olive (or pickle) juice, mustard, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Season with salt and chili flakes to taste. Adjust tanginess with a little extra olive/pickle juice if desired.
Chill and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir once more before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, cool the pasta before adding the dressing so it stays thick and creamy.
- This salad tastes better after chilling; if it thickens too much, stir in 1–2 tablespoons more Greek yogurt or ranch before serving.
- Drain and rinse the canned/jarred shredded vegetables well to remove excess brine and keep the flavor balanced.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.