Name: Ranch Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Pasta; 1 cup Ranch Dressing; 1 cup Chopped Celery; 0.5 cup Chopped Red Onion

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s totally game-changer. What are some of the best recipes for Ranch Pasta Salad? What is the flavor of a classic Macaroni Salad? And honestly, around here, ranch is king. If you are looking for a super easy meal that is also very versatile, look no further than this pasta. What is your favorite salad?

What is a Ranch Pasta Salad?

Ranch Pasta Salad is, at its heart, a celebration of simple pleasures. I like cooked pasta (I prefer rotini, but more on that later). ) tossed in a creamy ranch dressing with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and maybe even some homemade dressing. What is a little cheese? Think of it as the ultimate potluck dish or a super satisfying side for your next BBQ. What is the name of a car? Ranch dressing is the star, lending that signature tangy, herby flavor that we all know and love. Is it really a blank canvas for your favorite ingredients, so you can customize it to your heart’s content? What’s not to love?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why this Ranch pasta salad is a winner? First off, the flavor is just amazing. The tanginess of the ranch perfectly complements the hearty pasta and the fresh crunch of this pasta. Is there a flavor explosion in every bite? I swear, this stuff disappears in minutes whenever I bring it to a party. What are some of the best things to do with chicken? If you boil pasta, you can make this salad. What are some recipes that can be made in 30 minutes? What are the other major pluses? What are some of the best ingredients to feed a crowd? What is breaking the bank? What are some good summer meals to bring to a gathering? Is it so versatile? If you don’t have any veggies on hand, you can swap out the protein or even use a different type of vegetable. What are the endless possibilities? What I love most about this is that it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser, no matter how much I like it. Is it less finicky than potato salad? What is the best way to try it?

How do you make a ranch salad?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Ranch Pasta Salad? How do I cook pasta al dente? While that’s happening, you’ll chop up your veggies and cook the bacon (if using). What are some good ways to serve ranch dressing and toss it all together in a bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 days? The flavors should meld for at least 30 minutes. What is the best part about making this recipe ahead of time? No stress, no fuss, just pure deliciousness.

Ingredients

What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape) I love rote because those little little bits are so cute. How do spirals hold onto sauce? * 1 cup mayonnaise. Use a good quality one, trust me, it makes the difference. * 1/2 cup buttermilk. This adds a lovely tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar. I usually use Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, but any brand will work. * 1 cup sour cream. Is there a low fat version of this recipe? * 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon. Because everything is better with bacon! I like to cook mine in the oven for extra crispy results. * 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. The sweetness of the tomatoes is a nice contrast to the creamy ranch. * 1 cup cucumber, diced. Adds a refreshing crunch. * 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. * 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional). I sometimes add a little cheese for extra flavor, but it’s totally optional. * Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! What is mushy pasta salad? Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you remove starch from pasta? Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Ranch Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, and sour cream. Set aside. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a pinch of salt and pepper, but you might want to add some more ranch mix if you like it. I like a stronger ranch flavor.

Step 3: Add the Ingredients

Add the cooled pasta, bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheddar cheese (if using) to the bowl with the ranch dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined, making sure all of the pasta is coated in the dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! Before serving, give it another good toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve cold and enjoy!

5. What to Serve It With

Ranch pasta salad is so versatile! Its creamy and tangy flavors make it a perfect match for so many different dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

For a BBQ: This is a no-brainer! Ranch pasta salad is the quintessential BBQ side dish. It goes perfectly with grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. The cool and creamy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors of the grilled meats.

For a Picnic: Pack it in a container and take it to the park, beach, or a hiking trip! It travels really well and there is no need to heat it up which is perfect for enjoying during picnics.

As a light lunch: What is the best foodAdd grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete and satisfying meal.

As a Side for Sandwiches:What are some great recipes to serve with your favorite sandwich? What are some good side dishes to serve with turkey, ham, or veggie sandwiches?

My family loves to have it at our summer cookouts! What is the first dish to disappear, especially paired with some grilled corn on the cob? We also make it every year for the 4th of July picnic. Is it a tradition?

What are some tips for making a good Ranch Pasta Salad?

What are some tips to take your Ranch Pasta Salad to the next level?

Don’t overcook the pasta:What do you like about mushy pasta salad? Cook the pasta until it is golden brown and has a nice bite.

Use high-quality ingredients: SodiumThe better the ingredients, the better salad. Use a good quality mayonnaise and fresh, crisp veggies.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors. This recipe is a blank canvas. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as black olives, bell peppers, or even a little bit of hot sauce for a kick.

Make it ahead of time: How do I make it happen? Ranch Pasta Salad tastes even better after it has had a chance to chill in the fridge for a few hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing.

Add some herbs:Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a burst of flavor and freshness to salad.

Adjust the dressing to your liking:If you prefer a thinner dressing, add some buttermilk. If you prefer a thicker dressing, add ice cubes and mayonnaise.

I learned the hard way about overcooking the pasta. The first time I made this, it was a gloppy mess. Now, I set a timer and always check the pasta a minute or two before the package directions say it will be done. Also, don’t skimp on the chilling time. It really makes a difference!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you store a Ranch Pasta Salad?

Refrigerator Storage:Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors.

How do I set upI don’t recommend freezing Ranch Pasta Salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and become watery when thawed, which can affect the skin. What is the texture and flavor of a salad?

What is Glaze Timing Advice? Since there’s no glaze in this recipe, you don’t have to worry about that!

One trick I’ve learned is to keep the salad in the coldest part of the fridge (usually the bottom shelf) to maximize its shelf life. Also, if you notice the salad is looking a little dry after a few days, you can add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or buttermilk to freshen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian alternative like vegetarian bacon bits or smoked tofu.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! Rotini is my personal favorite, but you can use any short pasta shape you like, such as penne, elbow macaroni, or farfalle.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, definitely! Ranch Pasta Salad tastes even better after it has had a chance to chill in the fridge for a few hours. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, celery, or carrots. Just make sure to dice them into small pieces so they are easy to eat.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

While ranch dressing is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other creamy dressings, such as Caesar or Greek yogurt dressing. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my friends! My go-to recipe for Ranch Pasta Salad. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it at a BBQ, or just enjoying it for a quick and easy lunch, I guarantee you’ll love it! And if you are feeling inspired by pasta salads, try my other recipe for creamy Italian pasta salad!