Creamy Ranch-Packed Potato and Macaroni Salad
This Creamy Ranch-Packed Potato and Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleaser that has stood the test of time at family gatherings and parties. The combination of tender potatoes or al dente macaroni, crisp vegetables, and rich cheeses melded with a tangy ranch dressing creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Customize it further by adding crispy bacon or diced cooked ham for an extra savory twist! Perfect for warm weather picnics, this salad is best after resting in the refrigerator for at least three hours, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. The longer it chills, the better it gets! Whether served as a side or a main dish, this salad will quickly become a requested favorite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked cubed potatoes or macaroni
2 1/2 lbs or 3 cups (cooked and cooled)
Frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
Celery rib
1 small (finely diced)
Green onions
4 (finely chopped)
Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (finely cubed)
Hard-boiled eggs
4-5 (chopped (more sliced in wedges for garnish))
Chopped sweet yum-yum pickles
1/2 cup (optional)
Sweet pickle relish
6 tablespoons (none)
Ranch salad dressing
3/4 cup (prepared)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (or use 1/4 cup each of mayonnaise and sour cream)
Prepared mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons (or use 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder)
Garlic powder
1/2-1 teaspoon (optional)
Salt
to taste (none)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the potatoes or pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and allow them to cool to room temperature.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled potatoes (or pasta) with the thawed peas, finely diced celery, chopped green onions, finely cubed cheddar cheese, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Gently toss until evenly mixed.
3
In a separate small bowl, combine the sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, mustard, and garlic powder (if using). Mix until well combined to create a creamy dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the potato or macaroni mixture and gently fold together until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
If using, gently fold in the chopped sweet yum-yum pickles at this point.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow flavors to blend beautifully.
7
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and taste again for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with additional sliced hard-boiled eggs if desired and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ranch-Packed Potato and Macaroni Salad?
It is a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines tender potatoes or macaroni with crisp vegetables, rich cheeses, and a tangy ranch dressing.
Can I use both potatoes and macaroni in this recipe?
The recipe is designed for either 2 1/2 lbs of cubed potatoes or 3 cups of macaroni, though you could experiment with a mix of both if desired.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
For the best flavor, the salad should rest in the refrigerator for at least three hours, though overnight is even better.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, you can customize the salad by adding crispy bacon or diced cooked ham for an extra savory twist.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of finely cubed cheddar cheese.
Do the frozen peas need to be cooked?
No, the frozen peas simply need to be thawed before being added to the salad mixture.
What kind of pickles are included?
The recipe uses sweet pickle relish in the dressing and offers optional chopped sweet yum-yum pickles for extra texture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, you can use a combination of 1/4 cup each of mayonnaise and sour cream if you prefer.
What is the recommended serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 4 to 5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped for the salad and sliced into wedges for garnish.
Can I use mustard powder instead of prepared mustard?
Yes, you can substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of prepared mustard with 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder.
Is the garlic powder mandatory?
No, the garlic powder is an optional ingredient to enhance the flavor of the dressing.
What vegetables are in this salad?
The salad includes thawed peas, finely diced celery, and finely chopped green onions.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
Cook the potatoes until tender, cube them, and ensure they are cooled to room temperature before mixing.
Is this salad suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for warm weather picnics and gatherings.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, making it ahead of time is recommended so the flavors have a chance to meld beautifully.
What should I garnish the salad with?
It is common to garnish the salad with additional sliced hard-boiled eggs or green onions.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as long as you do not add optional bacon or ham.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How much ranch dressing is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of prepared ranch salad dressing.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad is creamy from the dressing but has a nice crunch from the celery, onions, and pickles.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, but fresh peas should be lightly blanched and cooled before being added to the salad.
Why should I cool the pasta or potatoes before mixing?
Cooling the starch prevents the dressing from melting and becoming oily, ensuring a creamy consistency.
How do I season the salad?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after the dressing has been folded in.
What type of celery should I use?
One small finely diced celery rib is recommended for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you could substitute with Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Toss the main ingredients gently first, then fold in the dressing to ensure everything is evenly coated without breaking the potatoes or eggs.
Is this a side dish or a main dish?
It is typically served as a side dish, but with the addition of meat or extra eggs, it can be served as a main dish.
Can I freeze this salad?
No, it is not recommended to freeze this salad as the mayonnaise and potatoes will change texture and separate upon thawing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed, including seasonings.