Pasta salad is a summertime staple, and this version with ranch seasoning is a favorite for its creamy, tangy flavor. It’s a great dish to take to picnics, potlucks, or barbecues. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
The key to a good pasta salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. For the pasta, you can use any type you like, but short shapes like penne or rotini work best. The vegetables should be crisp and colorful, and the cheese should be flavorful and sharp. Of course, the most important ingredient is the ranch seasoning. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own from scratch.
Once you have your ingredients, simply combine them in a large bowl and toss to coat. You can serve the pasta salad immediately or chill it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh herbs or vegetables, and enjoy!
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 cup ranch seasoning
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
How To Make Pasta Salad with Ranch Seasoning
1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water.
2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, celery, red onion, green bell pepper, carrots, and cheddar cheese to the dressing. Toss to coat.
4. Chill (optional): If desired, chill the pasta salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Garnish the pasta salad with fresh herbs or vegetables, and serve.
Tips or Possible Variations
Tips:
- For a creamier pasta salad, add an extra 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
- For a tangier pasta salad, add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream.
- For a spicier pasta salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Possible variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta salad.
- Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the pasta salad.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as macaroni or bow-tie pasta.
This pasta salad recipe with ranch seasoning is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or packing it for lunch, it’s sure to be a hit.
So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy pasta salad recipe, give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed!