Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a timeless culinary creation that seamlessly blend flavors, textures, and colors, making them a desirable dish for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a festive potluck, or a simple family gathering, pasta salads offer a delightful mix of ingredients that cater to diverse tastes. One standout variation that has gained popularity over the years is the creamy ranch pasta salad. With its combination of fresh vegetables, savory elements, and a luscious creamy dressing, this dish has become a favorite among many.

Discover the delightful world of creamy ranch pasta salad, the perfect dish for any occasion. With its colorful blend of rotini pasta, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, and a rich ranch dressing, this salad is both delicious and versatile. Ideal as a light meal or a side dish at picnics and gatherings, it's easy to customize with protein and cheese. Chill it for the best flavor and serve it at your next event for a crowd-pleasing hit!

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Ingredients

8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or turkey bacon (optional)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 packet of ranch dressing mix

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 of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, and dill until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, green onions, bacon (if using), and cheddar cheese.

Dress the Salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy ranch pasta salad as a side dish or a refreshing light meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 6 servings