Go Back
When it comes to flavorful, crowd-pleasing dishes, the Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad Delight stands out as a top contender. This recipe combines the satisfying texture of pasta with a rich, creamy dressing and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, making it a versatile option that can accompany a variety of meals. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic, attending a potluck, or simply looking to whip up a delicious dish for a family gathering, this pasta salad is sure to impress.

Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad Delight, the perfect side dish for any gathering. This easy-to-make recipe features pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy ranch dressing that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you're hosting a picnic, heading to a potluck, or just want a tasty family meal, you'll love how this salad combines flavor and texture. Enjoy its vibrant colors and satisfying crunch while nourishing everyone at the table.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell pepper, diced (choose any vibrant color)

1 cup sweet corn (drained, if using canned, or thawed if frozen)

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended)

1 cup ranch dressing

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place it aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, take this time to chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. If you're using canned corn, make sure to drain it thoroughly before adding it to your salad.

      Make the Creamy Ranch Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the completely cooled pasta. To this, mix in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, red onion, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon if you're using it. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the luscious creamy ranch dressing over your pasta and vegetable blend. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is well-coated in that delicious dressing.

            Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place a lid on it. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste it to see if it needs any additional seasoning. Adjust with extra salt and black pepper if desired. For a touch of color and freshness, top with freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, deep bowl or individual cups. Drizzle with additional ranch dressing on top just before serving and sprinkle with extra herbs for a vibrant look. Enjoy this delightful dish at picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side at dinner!