Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad (Print View)
Tender pasta mixed with crisp vegetables in a tangy, herb-infused creamy dressing.
# 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
→ 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 Make It:
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 the pasta.
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 cooked and 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, incorporating them throughout the salad.
05 - Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. This salad can be made a day in advance.
06 - Toss the salad again just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The homemade ranch dressing puts those bottled versions to shame and comes together in seconds
- Everything can be prepped ahead and actually tastes better after mingling in the fridge
02 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch
- The salad needs at least one hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to develop properly
03 -
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before adding it to the dressing
- Reserve a handful of vegetables to scatter on top for the prettiest presentation