Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad (Printable)
Refreshing pasta salad with creamy ranch dressing, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs. Ideal for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.
# What You'll 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
# Directions:
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 bacon, if desired. Mix gently to distribute throughout the salad.
05 - Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Toss again just before serving and adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- The homemade ranch dressing puts those bottled versions to absolute shame
- It gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep
- Cold pasta salad on a hot day hits different
02 -
- Rinse your pasta under cold water until it's completely cool or it'll keep absorbing the dressing
- The salad really does need that hour in the fridge to taste its absolute best
- Don't add the cheese and bacon until after it's chilled if you're making it ahead
03 -
- Cut your vegetables slightly larger than you think you should, they shrink a bit in the dressing
- Taste your dressing before adding it to the pasta, adjust the seasonings now