Refreshing Ranch Garden Pasta Salad
This vibrant and hearty pasta salad is perfect for any large gathering, potluck, or sunny picnic. Made with angel hair pasta, crisp fresh vegetables, and zesty dressings, it brings a light and refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with barbecued burgers, juicy steaks, or simply enjoyed on its own. The combination of Ranch and Italian dressings adds a burst of flavor that elevates the whole dish. Feel free to customize with additional colorful veggies for a more delightful presentation. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser at your next outdoor feast!
10-16
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
angel hair pasta
16 ounces (broken in half)
ripe tomatoes
4 (firm, seeded, and diced)
black olives
2.25 ounces (sliced and drained)
cucumbers
2 medium (peeled, pulp removed, and diced)
onion
1 small (finely diced)
green bell pepper
1 small (seeded and diced)
yellow bell pepper
1 small (seeded and diced)
hidden valley ranch dressing mix
3 (1-ounce) packages (n/a)
Italian salad dressing mix
2/3 ounce (prepared as directed using half the oil)
olive oil
1/2 cup (n/a)
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (n/a)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the angel hair pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water. Make sure to drain well to avoid excess moisture.
2
In a separate bowl, prepare the Italian dressing mix according to the package instructions, but use only half the amount of oil specified for a lighter option.
3
In another bowl, mix the Ranch dressing mix with the red wine vinegar and olive oil until fully combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced cucumbers, finely diced onion, and both green and yellow bell peppers.
5
Pour the prepared Ranch dressing and Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This also ensures a refreshing taste when served.
7
Before serving, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
22g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary pasta used in this salad?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of angel hair pasta, broken in half before cooking.
How many people does this pasta salad serve?
This recipe is designed for large gatherings and yields between 10 to 16 servings.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor, the salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What types of dressing are used in this recipe?
The salad features a combination of Ranch dressing mix and Italian salad dressing mix.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The 2 medium cucumbers should be peeled, have the pulp removed, and then be diced.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Can I use a different type of bell pepper?
Yes, while the recipe calls for green and yellow bell peppers, you can customize it with any colorful peppers for a nice presentation.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat in each serving of this pasta salad.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, the angel hair pasta should be drained and rinsed under cold water, ensuring it is drained well to avoid excess moisture.
How much Ranch dressing mix is required?
The recipe calls for three 1-ounce packages of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.
What type of vinegar is needed for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar mixed with the Ranch dressing components.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the Italian dressing mix for this recipe?
Prepare the Italian dressing mix according to package directions, but use only half the amount of oil specified for a lighter option.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use 4 ripe tomatoes that are firm, seeded, and diced.
How much olive oil is used in the Ranch dressing mixture?
The dressing mixture uses 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Are there olives in this pasta salad?
Yes, it includes 2.25 ounces of sliced and drained black olives.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This is a refreshing cold pasta salad that is refrigerated before serving.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one small onion, finely diced.
Do I need to toss the salad before serving?
Yes, give the salad a good toss right before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Can I serve this with meat?
It pairs beautifully with barbecued burgers or juicy steaks, or it can be enjoyed on its own.
Is there any sugar or cholesterol information available?
The provided data does not list sugar or cholesterol values for this recipe.
What total number of ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 11 different ingredients.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
Both the green and yellow bell peppers should be seeded and diced.
What is the primary category for this dish?
It is categorized as a pasta salad, specifically popular for picnics and summer gatherings.
Is angel hair pasta easy to use for salads?
Yes, when broken in half and rinsed cold, it provides a light and refreshing texture for the salad.
What makes this salad 'refreshing'?
The combination of crisp fresh vegetables, zesty dressings, and being served cold makes it very refreshing.
Can I customize the vegetables in this salad?
Absolutely, the description encourages customizing with additional colorful vegetables for better presentation.
Is there a specific brand of Ranch mix recommended?
The recipe specifically mentions Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.
What is the texture of the tomatoes in the salad?
The recipe recommends using firm tomatoes so they hold their shape after being diced and tossed.