Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. The rotini pasta provides a sturdy base, while the crunchy veggies—like cucumber, red bell pepper, and broccoli—offer a refreshing contrast. The homemade ranch dressing brings everything together with its rich, flavorful creaminess. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a barbecue, or a picnic, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, taking only 20 minutes to prepare, and it can be customized with optional ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- Optional: ¼ cup red onion, ¼ cup shredded cheddar, fresh dill
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the red bell pepper, cucumber, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and the ranch dressing. Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and add more dressing or seasoning if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Chill time: 1 hour (for best flavor)
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a more filling main dish.
- Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the salad’s flavor.
- For an extra kick, try adding a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- If you prefer more cheese, consider adding shredded cheddar or parmesan for an added creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Reheating: This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. If it has thickened after chilling, stir in a bit more ranch dressing or a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.
FAQs
How can I make this Ranch Pasta Salad dairy-free?
You can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan sour cream and mayo, to make the recipe dairy-free.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. It should be refrigerated for at least an hour before serving, and it can even be made a day ahead for added convenience.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, cherry tomatoes, or peas. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Is this Ranch Pasta Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly ranch seasoning and mayonnaise, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming too soft. This also helps cool it down quickly for the salad.
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of short pasta you prefer, such as penne, elbow macaroni, or farfalle. Rotini is just great for holding the dressing, but feel free to get creative!
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of making my own?
Yes, you can substitute homemade ranch dressing with store-bought ranch. However, making your own dressing allows you to control the flavor and consistency to your liking.
Is this Ranch Pasta Salad spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the dressing if you want to spice it up.
Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Yes, you can add grilled chicken, or even chickpeas to turn this side dish into a main course.
How long can I store leftover Ranch Pasta Salad?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
Ranch Pasta Salad is a quick, versatile, and absolutely delicious dish that works for nearly any occasion. With its creamy ranch dressing, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta, it’s a perfect side dish or even a light main course. Whether you’re preparing it for a party or just a weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress!
Ranch Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, tangy Ranch Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or casual lunches.
Ingredients
12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
8 oz sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 oz ranch seasoning mix
Optional: ¼ cup red onion, ¼ cup shredded cheddar, fresh dill
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the red bell pepper, cucumber, and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and the ranch dressing. Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and add more dressing or seasoning if desired.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for making ahead and can be refrigerated for up to 1 day before serving.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Can be customized with grilled chicken, cheese, or other vegetables.
Best served cold, but can be adjusted with extra dressing or milk if it thickens after chilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
