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Ranch Pasta Salad

A creamy, tangy, and crunchy pasta salad that's perfect for meals or potlucks, quickly customizable, and even better the next day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini, bow ties, shells, or macaroni)
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped adds brightness and crunch
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced adds freshness
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved adds sweetness and color
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped adds crunch and flavor
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced adds crunch
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), chopped choose one for flavor
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise use full-fat for best results
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix use packet or homemade
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
  • 1 tsp sugar to balance flavors
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper for seasoning
Optional Mix-ins
  • 1 cup cooked protein (bacon, diced chicken, ham, or chickpeas) for added heartiness
  • 1/2 cup cubed cheddar, shredded mozzarella, or crumbled feta for creaminess
  • 1/2 cup peas or corn for sweetness
  • 1/4 cup olives or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Chop the vegetables into small, even pieces for consistent texture.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream (or yogurt), ranch seasoning, lemon juice, sugar, and black pepper until smooth.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped veggies, and any optional mix-ins.
  2. Pour the dressing over the mixture and fold until everything is well coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably one hour, to let the flavors meld.
Finishing Touches
  1. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding salt, more dill, or lemon juice.
  2. If the salad seems dry, stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of milk.

Notes

For extra creaminess, increase the mayo and sour cream. Always chill pasta before dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much.