Easy Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe – Creamy & Fresh
This creamy ranch pasta salad is a colorful and fresh dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and simple weeknight meals. Loaded with tricolor rotini, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing, this salad is easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Equipment
- Pot
- Colander
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz tricolor rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cups ranch dressing
Homemade Ranch Dressing (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions
Make the ranch dressing
- Combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, dried herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Whisk together until smooth and refrigerate while preparing the salad.
Cook and cool pasta
- Boil water with salt and cook tricolor rotini pasta until al dente.
- Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool.
Prepare salad and serve
- Mix cooled pasta with chopped broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
- Add ranch dressing and toss to coat well.
- Serve immediately or chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking is crucial to prevent the dressing from becoming greasy. Chilling the homemade ranch dressing allows flavors to meld well. If refrigerated salad looks dry, add extra dressing before serving.