Description
This refreshing Ranch Pasta Salad combines tri-color rotini pasta with crisp red bell peppers, cucumber, and broccoli florets tossed in a creamy homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal, this easy-to-make pasta salad is flavorful and made with common ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, finely diced
Ranch Salad Dressing
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Salt a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, finely dice the red bell pepper, chop the cucumber, and finely dice the broccoli florets. Add all the vegetables to a large serving bowl along with the cooled pasta.
- Make the ranch dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and the ranch seasoning packet. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine salad: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. This also ensures the salad is served nice and cold.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to keep the salad from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots.
- The salad can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to develop further.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo.
- Ensure to refrigerate promptly and keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ranch Pasta Salad, Tri-Color Rotini Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad, Summer Salad
