Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish, offering a creamy, tangy, and refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad. With a rich ranch dressing as its base, this dish is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering where you need a delicious and easy-to-make salad that everyone will love.

To make ranch pasta salad, start by cooking your favorite pasta—penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work especially well. Once cooked and drained, let the pasta cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with a mix of colorful vegetables like diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. You can also add some shredded carrots or even crisp bacon bits for extra flavor.

The key to the creamy, tangy goodness of this salad is the ranch dressing. You can use store-bought ranch or make your own by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning mix. If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or use a lighter ranch dressing.

Toss the pasta and veggies in the dressing until everything is well-coated. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice, some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or a sprinkle of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.

Ranch pasta salad is versatile and can be customized to your preferences. Add cooked chicken, bacon, or cheese for a heartier meal, or keep it simple with just the pasta and veggies. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches, making it an excellent addition to any summer spread.

Creamy, refreshing, and full of flavor, Ranch Pasta Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

Ranch Pasta Salad

3.66 from 58 votes

A refreshing and flavorful ranch pasta salad perfect for any gathering or a light lunch.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 100 grams pasta Use your favorite type, such as rotini or bowtie
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup cucumber diced
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing bottled or homemade
• 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup bacon bits cooked and crumbled

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits.
• Add the ranch dressing and toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Calories: 350kcal

Meal Type: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pasta, recipe, salad

Cooking Method: Boiled

Diet: Nut-free

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

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