Go Back
Pasta salads have carved a niche for themselves in the culinary landscape, celebrated for their versatility and appeal across a variety of occasions. Whether served at summer barbecues, family gatherings, or as a quick meal option, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can cater to any palate. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes, Ranchy Delight Pasta Salad stands out with its unique blend of creamy ranch dressing, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing yet satisfying dish.

Easy Ranch Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing flavors of Ranchy Delight Pasta Salad, a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or simply as a quick meal, this pasta salad combines rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing for a satisfying dish. Packed with vibrant colors and textures, it's versatile enough to serve as a side or main course. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a unique take that everyone will love. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell pepper (any color), diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta through a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, thoroughly wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion into bite-sized pieces.

      Mix the Dressing: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped fresh dill, or dried dill if using, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, thawed peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated in the dressing mix.

          Chill the Salad: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or place a lid on it and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to ensure everything is well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of color. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Ranchy Delight Pasta Salad chilled!

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Garnish individual servings with an additional sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra cherry tomato halves for a delightful visual touch.