Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Easy: Perfect For Summer Bbqs And Potlucks

October 10, 2023 Post a Comment

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Easy BLT Pasta Salad with Spinach and Ranch Dressing from www.yellowblissroad.com

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and potlucks. But, what to bring? A dish that's easy to make, tastes great, and can feed a crowd – that's where this ranch pasta salad recipe comes in. With just a few ingredients and a little prep time, you'll have a delicious and refreshing side dish that's sure to be a hit.

Description

This ranch pasta salad is a creamy and tangy dish that combines cooked pasta with colorful veggies, cheese, and a homemade ranch dressing. It's a versatile recipe that can be made with any type of pasta and veggies you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftover ingredients.

Prep Time

Prepping for this salad is easy and takes about 15 minutes. You'll need to cook the pasta according to package directions, chop the veggies, and make the ranch dressing.

Cook Time

Cooking the pasta takes the most time, which is usually about 10-12 minutes. The rest of the ingredients don't require cooking, so the total cook time for this dish is only about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this easy ranch pasta salad:

1 pound pasta (any shape)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumbers, chopped
1 cup bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

To make this recipe, you'll need a large pot for cooking the pasta, a colander for draining the pasta, a cutting board and knife for chopping the veggies, and a large mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients.

Method

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. 2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and cheddar cheese. 4. Add the ranch dressing and toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are coated in the dressing. 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Serve chilled.

Notes

This ranch pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a little dry after being stored, you can add more ranch dressing or a little bit of olive oil to moisten it.

Nutrition Info

This recipe makes about 8 servings. Here's the nutrition info per serving:

Calories: 400
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 14g

Recipes FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions and rinse it under cold water to cool it down before adding it to the salad.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and you can add any veggies you like. Some other great options include carrots, celery, broccoli, or zucchini.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought ranch dressing if you prefer. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand that you like the taste of.

Recipe Tips

- To make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-chopped veggies or a frozen veggie mix. - Try adding some cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein and flavor. - If you're making this recipe for a potluck or BBQ, be sure to double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. - To make a lighter version of this recipe, you can use a low-fat or Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.