Description
Ranch pasta salad combines fresh vegetables and creamy dressing for a classic summer side dish. Pasta, crisp vegetables, and zesty ranch create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers, peeled and seeded
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1 1/4 cups ranch dressing
OR
Homemade Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil pasta in generously salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, ensuring a firm texture. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process and cool quickly.
- Whisk together ranch dressing ingredients in a compact mixing vessel, blending until smooth and creamy. Chill mixture in refrigerator to enhance flavor melding.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together cooled pasta, crisp broccoli florets, diced cucumber, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle chilled ranch dressing over combined ingredients, tossing delicately to ensure uniform coating and distribution of flavors.
- For optimal taste experience, allow salad to rest in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving, which permits ingredients to harmonize. If salad appears dry after chilling, add extra dressing and stir gently to revive moisture and freshness.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or bow-tie to help dressing cling better and create more interesting texture.
- Veggie Variations: Swap or add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or roasted zucchini for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance to let flavors meld, but add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain brightness.
- Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly version, or add grilled chicken for protein boost. Greek yogurt can replace some ranch for lighter dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg