Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta, and it’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. Ranch dressing pasta salad is a classic recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it’s ready in just a few minutes.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy pasta salad recipe, then you’ll definitely want to try this one. It’s the perfect dish for a summer party or potluck, and it’s also great for meal prep. So what are you waiting for? Give this ranch dressing pasta salad recipe a try today!
Ingredients and Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to make this ranch dressing pasta salad recipe:
- 1 pound pasta (any type)
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked bacon, shredded cheese, or other toppings
You’ll also need the following equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
How To Make Ranch Dressing Pasta Salad
To make this ranch dressing pasta salad, simply follow these steps:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta in a colander.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ranch dressing, celery, carrots, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend.
- When ready to serve, top with your favorite toppings, such as cooked bacon, shredded cheese, or other toppings.
Tips or Possible Variation
Here are a few tips and possible variations for this ranch dressing pasta salad recipe:
- For a creamier pasta salad, add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to the dressing.
- For a more flavorful pasta salad, add 1/4 cup of chopped dill or chives to the dressing.
- For a spicy pasta salad, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- For a vegetarian pasta salad, omit the bacon.
- For a vegan pasta salad, use vegan ranch dressing and omit the cheese.
This ranch dressing pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta, and it’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. So next time you’re looking for an easy and delicious pasta salad recipe, give this one a try!