It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion! It’s simple to make and incredibly refreshing. The combination of crisp pasta, crunchy vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing is like a party in your mouth. The best part? You can customize it to your liking by adding or removing any ingredients you please. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this pasta salad recipe using ranch dressing will become a staple in your kitchen.
The key to a great pasta salad is using high-quality ingredients. For the pasta, I recommend using a short pasta like penne or rotini. These shapes hold the dressing well and don’t get mushy. For the vegetables, you can use whatever you have on hand. Some of my favorites include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. And of course, no pasta salad is complete without a creamy ranch dressing. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs.
Ingredients and Equipments
Ingredients:
- 1 pound short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
How To Make
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, ranch dressing, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips or Possible Variation
Tips:
- For a creamier pasta salad, use a Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
- Add some cooked chicken or bacon to the salad for extra protein.
- If you don’t have fresh vegetables on hand, you can use frozen or canned vegetables instead.
Possible Variations:
- Add some chopped hard-boiled eggs to the salad.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as macaroni or shells.
- Swap out the ranch dressing for a different type of dressing, such as Italian or vinaigrette.
The versatility of this pasta salad recipe using ranch dressing makes it a winner. With its ease of preparation and delicious taste, it’s sure to become a hit at your next gathering. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start cooking!
Whether you prefer a classic ranch dressing or a more adventurous variation, this recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a pasta salad that’s uniquely yours. After all, the best recipe is the one that brings a smile to your face and satisfies your taste buds.