Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Cold pasta tossed with creamy homemade ranch dressing and colorful fresh vegetables
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
→ Ranch Dressing
07 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
09 - 3 tbsp buttermilk or milk
10 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
11 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
12 - 1 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1 tsp onion powder
14 - 1/2 tsp dried parsley
15 - 1/2 tsp salt
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Add-ins
17 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
# How-To:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool for the salad.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and peas to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
04 - Stir in the optional cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon if desired. Mix gently to incorporate.
05 - Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Toss again just before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The creamy ranch dressing clings to every twist of pasta, delivering that perfect hit of herbs in each bite.
- It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors have mingled in the fridge for a bit.
- You can prep it ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
02 -
- Rinse your pasta under cold water until it's completely cool. Any residual heat will wilt the vegetables and make the dressing separate.
- The salad will seem a bit dry right after you mix it, but the pasta absorbs dressing as it chills. Don't be tempted to add more dressing until after it has rested.
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables slightly larger than you think you need. They shrink in the fridge and maintain better texture when they have some substance.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta. Everyone's palate is different, and it's easier to adjust seasoning at this stage.