Print

Easy Creamy Dump Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer BBQs

creamy ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy ranch pasta salad with fresh veggies, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This refreshing and crowd-pleasing side dish combines tender rotini pasta with a tangy ranch dressing and crisp vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 3/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red or yellow), diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup ranch dressing, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. (Optional: add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese for thicker dressing.)
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, and 1 cup bell peppers. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion if using. Add all the veggies to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing and veggies. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs if using.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. (If short on time, 15 minutes in the fridge works.)
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste again for seasoning and add salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness and help dressing cling better. For thicker dressing, add cream cheese. Can substitute pasta types or use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing. Salad tastes better after chilling at least 30 minutes. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days; stir in milk or ranch before serving if thickened.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer BBQ side, easy pasta salad, dump recipe, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-creamy-dump-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/