Ravioli Chicken Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring lemon herb chicken, fresh vegetables, ravioli, and a creamy ranch dressing—perfect for a light, satisfying meal or potluck dish.
Ingredients
- 3 (4 oz.) packages lemon herb-flavored skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (9 oz.) package low-fat cheese-and-garlic flavored ravioli or plain low-fat cheese ravioli
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat Ranch Style dressing
- bibb lettuce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chicken according to package directions; then cut into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the ravioli in boiling water until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, sliced carrots, chopped red bell pepper, drained water chestnuts, and chopped celery.
- Add the cooked chicken and ravioli to the vegetables.
- Pour the low-fat Ranch Style dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Optional: serve on a bed of bibb lettuce for added presentation and crunch.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. You can also substitute the low-fat cheese-and-garlic ravioli with plain cheese ravioli if that's what you have on hand. To enhance the flavor, add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using grilled tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Ravioli Chicken Salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing fruit salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it as a side dish during gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salad in a bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If the salad seems dry after refrigerating, add a little more Ranch dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ravioli Chicken Salad contains roughly 145 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (132% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. This way, the salad will stay fresh and crunchy, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
What can I substitute for the Ranch dressing?
If you're not a fan of Ranch dressing, you can use a vinaigrette or even Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a healthier option. A lemon or balsamic vinaigrette would add a nice tangy flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as it contains protein, vegetables, and carbs. Just store the components separately and combine them just before eating to maintain freshness. It's a convenient option for busy weeknights or lunch on the go.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).