Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
This delightful Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is a favorite from the deli where I work, renowned for its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta coated in creamy Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables like crunchy cucumbers, sweet red onions, and ripe tomatoes. With easy preparation and a perfect blend of textures, this salad is not only a hit at potlucks and picnics but also a fantastic side dish for weeknight dinners. Its creamy goodness and garden-fresh crunch will have everyone coming back for seconds!
10
Servings
220
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
1 (16 ounce bottle)
Rotini pasta
2-3 (cups, uncooked)
Green pepper
1 (chopped)
Red onion
1 (small, chopped)
Cucumbers
2 (chopped)
Tomatoes
2 (chopped (Roma recommended))
Salad seasoning
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down quickly.
2
Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Pour the entire bottle of Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing over the pasta and gently toss to ensure all the noodles are well-coated.
3
Chop the green pepper, red onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes, adding each to the bowl with the pasta.
4
Sprinkle in the salad seasoning and mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, refreshing taste of this delightful salad!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad?
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish featuring rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for rotini pasta because its spirals hold the creamy dressing well.
Which ranch dressing should I use?
The recipe recommends using one 16-ounce bottle of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing for the best flavor.
What vegetables are included in this pasta salad?
The salad includes chopped green peppers, red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly for immediate mixing with the dressing.
What kind of tomatoes are recommended?
Roma tomatoes are recommended for this recipe as they have a firm texture that holds up well in salads.
How long does it take to prepare?
The preparation involves cooking the pasta and chopping vegetables, followed by a minimum of 30 minutes of refrigeration.
Does the salad need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 12g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is highly recommended for potlucks, picnics, and as a weeknight dinner side dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rotini is suggested, you can substitute it with other short pastas like penne or bowtie if needed.
What is salad seasoning?
Salad seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices often found in the spice aisle; one tablespoon is used in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even further in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the vegetables crisp and the dressing fresh.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetable dish and does not contain meat.
Can I add protein to this salad?
You can easily add grilled chicken, ham, or bacon bits to turn this into a main course meal.
What size of red onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small red onion, finely chopped.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
It is a matter of preference, but many enjoy the crunch and color provided by leaving the skin on.
How much pasta is needed in cups?
You will need between 2 to 3 cups of uncooked rotini pasta.
What makes this salad colorful?
The combination of green peppers, red onions, and red tomatoes creates a vibrant and appetizing look.
Is it served hot or cold?
This salad is served chilled for a refreshing taste.
Can I use light ranch dressing?
Yes, you can substitute with light or fat-free ranch dressing, though it may change the creaminess and calorie count.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, ingredients like black olives, broccoli, or shredded carrots would be great additions.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
While not specified in the data, the fresh vegetables contribute a small amount of dietary fiber to the dish.
Is this a fast recipe to make?
Yes, excluding the chilling time, the active preparation time is quite short.
What kind of green pepper is used?
One standard green bell pepper, chopped, is used for crunch and flavor.
How do I ensure the noodles are well-coated?
Gently toss the cooled pasta with the entire bottle of dressing before adding the vegetables to ensure even coverage.