Go Back
+ servings
Ranch Pasta Salad

Incredible Ranch Pasta Salad Loaded with Fresh Veggies

This Ranch Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of creaminess and fresh vegetables, perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix or homemade ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup Chopped Fresh Herbs (Chives, Parsley, Dill) use any combination available
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Dry Short Pasta (Fusilli) any small pasta shape works well
  • 12 ounces Broccoli can be swapped with cauliflower florets
  • 2 medium Tomatoes or substitute with cherry tomatoes
  • 6 medium Radishes or replace with bell peppers
  • 4 medium Scallions or substitute with red onions
  • 1 cup Sliced Black Olives or omit if not a fan
  • 2 medium Carrots (grated) or baby carrots
  • 6 slices Bacon can be omitted for vegetarian version
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese or substitute with different cheese
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds or replace with pumpkin seeds or nuts
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust according to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. While the water heats, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, chopped herbs, and black pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy, about 12-15 minutes, then chop.
  4. Add dry short pasta to boiling water and set a timer for 6 minutes, adding broccoli florets in the last minute.
  5. In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes with a sprinkle of kosher salt, then add cooled pasta, broccoli, radishes, scallions, olives, carrots, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
  6. Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and gently toss until fully combined.
  7. You can serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure pasta and broccoli are completely cooled before mixing. Adjust ingredient quantities based on preferences and seasonality.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!