Delight in the ultimate go-to side: Ranch Pasta Salad Crafted with tri-color rotini, red bell pepper, broccoli, cucumber, and a luscious homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this pasta salad with ranch dressing
- Delightfully Flavourful: This ranch pasta salad boasts a creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious taste.
- Effortlessly Prepared: With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward homemade ranch dressing, this quick pasta salad comes together in minutes.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s holidays, cookouts, potlucks, or birthday parties, this versatile dish is the ideal side.
- A Family Favorite: With our love for ranch salad dressing, this recipe is one we Savor time and time again.
It’s wonderfully straightforward, much like my other pasta salad creations: tortellini pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, and southwest pasta salad. Only 8 basic ingredients needed.
Ranch pasta salad recipe video
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
For the Creamy Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil with a pinch of salt. Put in the rotini pasta and cook as per the package instructions until it’s pleasantly firm. Afterward, drain and give it a quick rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. Transfer all the vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs:
Add the cubed cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, and crumbled bacon (if using) to the bowl with the vegetables.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, fresh dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Everything:
Pour the cooked and cooled pasta over the vegetables and cheese. Drizzle the creamy ranch dressing over the top.
Step 6: Toss Gently:
Gently toss all the ingredients until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 7: Chill and Serve:
Place a lid on the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to let the flavors blend harmoniously. Serve chilled.
Step 8: Optional Garnish:
Just before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley and chives for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your creamy ranch pasta salad! It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a delicious side dish for any occasion.
Tips for Ranch Pasta Salad
- prep your veggies ahead of time: Save time by prepping your veggies ahead of time. Chop them up and store them in individual Ziplock bags in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pasta salad a breeze.
- add the dressing 1-2 hours before serving: While pasta salad is best served chilled, it can dry out in the refrigerator. For optimal flavour, add the dressing 1-2 hours before serving. This ensures it’s perfectly creamy and flavourful.
- add more dressing to leftover pasta salad: If your pasta salad has dried out a bit in the fridge, don’t worry. Simply stir in some extra ranch dressing when you serve it the next day. This will bring back its creamy texture and delicious taste.
Ranch pasta salad nutrition information:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| – Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 440mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
| Calcium | 145mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 305mg |
Health Benefits of Ranch Pasta Salad
- Abundant in Fiber: The amalgamation of vegetables and pasta endows this dish with dietary fiber, fostering robust digestion and augmenting gut well-being.
- Vitamin-Rich: Brimming with vitamins A and C sourced from bell pepper, cucumber, and tomatoes, this salad fortifies the immune system while enhancing dermal vitality.
- Nutritious Fats: Laden with beneficial fats from mayonnaise and sour cream, it is crucial for cerebral functions and hormone synthesis.
- Protein-Laden: Cheddar cheese and the optional bacon introduce a bounty of protein, essential for muscle rejuvenation and development.
- Hydration Enhancer: Cucumber and tomatoes, with their high aqueous content, assist in maintaining optimal hydration.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Fresh parsley and chives infuse antioxidants, mitigating oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
- Bone Fortification: Cheddar cheese provides a generous calcium contribution, indispensable for sturdy bones and teeth.
- Sugar Conscious: The recipe boasts minimal added sugars, aiding in maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
- Dietary Flexibility: By omitting the bacon, this salad can be tailored to vegetarian preferences, accommodating various dietary needs.
- Simplicity and Speed: A straightforward, expeditious recipe, making it an expedient and wholesome culinary option.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Preserve the salad in an airtight container within the refrigerator, ensuring its freshness for up to 3 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Refrain from freezing, as the consistency of the vegetables and pasta will deteriorate.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions
- Reheating: Although best savored cold, if a warm version is desired, gently reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Note that this may slightly alter the texture.
- Reuse: Revitalize leftovers with a splash of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs. Alternatively, incorporate additional vegetables or proteins, such as grilled chicken, to craft a novel meal.
Keep in mind that everyone’s nutritional needs are different, so it’s a good idea to seek personalized advice from a healthcare provider or dietitian. Enjoy your creamy ranch pasta salad.