Print

Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe – Easy Summer Side with Fresh Veggies

creamy ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy ranch pasta salad is a quick and easy summer side dish packed with fresh veggies, tangy ranch dressing, and a touch of cheddar cheese. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weekday dinners, it’s endlessly customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, use dairy-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • 2 tablespoons bacon bits (optional, real or veggie bacon)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook for 7–9 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, shred carrots, and finely chop red onion. Thaw peas if using frozen.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over and toss until pasta is well coated.
  5. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, shredded carrots, red onion, peas, and cheddar cheese. Toss gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Sprinkle in fresh parsley or dill and bacon bits if using. Fold gently to combine.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning or add extra ranch if needed.
  9. Serve chilled, garnished with extra herbs or cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, use al dente pasta and chill the salad before serving. Customize with your favorite veggies or protein. To make vegan, use dairy-free ranch and cheese, and omit bacon bits. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. If salad dries out after chilling, stir in a splash of ranch before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch, summer side, picnic, potluck, creamy, vegetables, easy, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-summer-side-with-fresh-veggies/