ranch pasta salad recipe
The Best ranch pasta salad recipe
What I love most about this pasta salad is how adaptable it is. You can make it light and fresh for a summer picnic or heartier with extra cheese and veggies if you’re craving something more filling. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers, whether it’s extra pasta from dinner or veggies you’ve got stashed in the fridge. Plus, it’s surprisingly balanced for a salad—it’s got protein from the chicken or beans, fiber from the pasta and veggies, and healthy fats from the ranch dressing. It’s not just a meal; it’s a no-stress way to feed your family without the cleanup of a complicated dish. And honestly? It’s the kind of thing that feels like a treat, even when you’re not trying to make it feel like one.
Classic Ranch Pasta Salad
A refreshing, creamy pasta salad with a tangy ranch dressing that pairs perfectly with summer barbecues or potlucks. Light yet satisfying, this dish keeps well for hours.
🥘Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups (400g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150g) diced cucumber
- 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60ml) ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp garlic powder
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool. -
2
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese. Gently toss to distribute evenly. -
3
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch dressing, lemon juice, dill, and garlic powder. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss lightly to coat. -
4
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Knife
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra freshness, add sliced green onions or chopped parsley before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
Watch Video Of How Classic Ranch Pasta Salad Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch Pasta Salad
1. How long can I store this ranch pasta salad in the fridge?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness, keep it covered and consume within that timeframe to avoid any loss of texture or flavor.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time and still keep it creamy?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead, but to keep it creamy, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. Stirring in a splash of ranch dressing or a few tablespoons of extra dressing can also help revive the texture.
3. What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can substitute with a mix of ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon dried dill. For extra tang, add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, rinse the cooked pasta under cold water after draining, then toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before mixing with the dressing. This helps absorb excess moisture.
5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Remove the meat from a rotisserie chicken, shred it, and mix it in after the pasta is cooked. Use the same seasoning from the recipe for best flavor.
