Print

Classic Ranch Pasta Salad for a Crowd

A serving of creamy Ranch Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, green peas, shredded cheddar, and red onion.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Follow this simple recipe to make a creamy, crowd-pleasing Ranch Pasta Salad, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or quick weeknight meals. This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup buttermilk ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, celery, red onion, shredded carrot, and cheddar cheese.
  3. Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the chopped parsley.
  4. Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend.
  7. Stir the salad again just before serving.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken or 1 cup of crumbled cooked bacon. This makes a great Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad.
  • You can prepare all the chopping and mixing the day before. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to 4 days.
  • If the salad seems dry after chilling overnight, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra ranch dressing before serving.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep cold salads. Divide into individual containers for easy lunches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-potluck/