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+ servings
Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Colorful Family Favorite

This Ranch Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish combining creamy ranch dressing with fresh vegetables, perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta You can substitute with penne or fusilli.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Fresh Vegetables (Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion) Feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Ranch Dressing Use your favorite brand or make your own.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Omit for a lighter dish or use dairy-free cheese.
For the Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Bacon Skip for a vegetarian version.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Plastic Wrap or Airtight Container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ranch Pasta Salad
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and cool it under cold running water for a few minutes.
  2. While the pasta is cooling, wash and prepare your fresh vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion. Set the prepared vegetables aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the prepared vegetables, along with the cheddar cheese and optional bacon. Pour in your ranch dressing, ensuring all the ingredients are well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer your Ranch Pasta Salad into an airtight container. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Consider adding fresh herbs or additional cheese for garnish before serving.

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