If you’re craving a refreshing and flavorful summer dish, a cold ranch pasta salad is a perfect choice. This classic crowd-pleaser is easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or packing a lunch for work, this salad is sure to satisfy.
The key to a great cold ranch pasta salad is the creamy, tangy dressing. Homemade ranch dressing is a breeze to make, and it’s so much better than the store-bought stuff. It’s simply a matter of whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and a blend of spices. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding more or less of any spice or herb.
Once you’ve got your dressing, it’s time to assemble the salad. You can use any type of short pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or macaroni. The dressing will cling to the pasta better if it’s warm, so cook it according to the package directions and then drain and let it cool for a few minutes.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:**
- 1 pound short pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
Equipment:**
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Cold Ranch Pasta Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing:** In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, parsley, dill, onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients:** Add the pasta, celery, red onion, bell pepper, cheese (if using), and bacon (if using) to the dressing. Toss to combine.
Step 4: Chill:** Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve:** Serve the cold ranch pasta salad chilled with your favorite sides.
Tips or Possible Variation
To make a vegetarian cold ranch pasta salad, omit the bacon. You can also add other vegetables to your salad, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or shredded carrots.
If you like a spicy cold ranch pasta salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
For a creamy cold ranch pasta salad, add an extra 1/2 cup of sour cream to the dressing.
There are many different ways to make a cold ranch pasta salad. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorite combination.
This salad is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, ham, or vegetables. Just add them to the salad along with your other ingredients.