Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for catching the dressing in its spirals, any medium pasta shape like bow ties, penne, or shells works wonderfully. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the dressing and vegetables.

How far in advance can I make this pasta salad?

This pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to develop more fully! If you're preparing it more than a day ahead, consider adding the cucumber just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Can I use ranch dressing from a bottle instead of making it homemade?

While you certainly can use bottled ranch dressing in a pinch, the homemade version is significantly more flavorful and allows you to adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you do use bottled dressing, you'll need about 2 cups, and you might want to enhance it with some fresh herbs.

My pasta salad seems dry after being refrigerated. How can I fix this?

The pasta will naturally absorb some of the dressing as it sits in the refrigerator. To revive a dry pasta salad, simply mix in a little more mayo and milk (about 1:1 ratio) until you reach your desired creaminess. Always taste and adjust seasonings after adding more dressing.

Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Description

This Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side for any meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender rotini pasta, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing, it’s a delightful favorite that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

1 pound rotini pasta
1 cup chopped broccoli
8 ounces cubed cheddar cheese
1 medium English cucumber, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium red onion, diced

Ranch Dressing

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried chives
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Cook 1 pound of rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until it is completely cooled. Once cooled, transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, chop 1 cup of broccoli, cube 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, and dice 1 medium English cucumber, 1 medium red bell pepper, and 1/2 medium red onion. Set all the prepared ingredients aside.
Make the Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated garlic, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1 tablespoon of dried chives, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Salad Ingredients
Pour the prepared ranch dressing over the cooled pasta in the large bowl. Toss the pasta to evenly coat with the dressing. Add the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, cubed cheddar cheese, diced cucumber, and diced bell pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve or Refrigerate
Serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish.

Notes

To save time, you can prepare the vegetables, cheese, and dressing while the pasta cooks.
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried parsley and chives.
This salad stores well when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for a portion of the mayonnaise to reduce calories and add tanginess.
Rotini pasta works best because its shape holds the dressing well, but penne or farfalle are good alternatives.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 15mg