RANCH PASTA SALAD

Ranch pasta salad is a meal in itself.

I can eat this ranch pasta salad for lunch or dinner, add some kind of bread and drink and that’s all I need. I love making it with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and green onions, too. It’s a very versatile salad since you can add the vegetables you love.

Ranch pasta salad will quickly become a favorite recipe.

8 ounces salad rotini pasta (could use any kind of pasta you like)

1 can medium pitted ripe olives, weight 6 ounces, drained, chopped

1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped (Optional)

1/4 cup real bacon bits

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup green onion, chopped (or about 3 onions)

12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half (could use more or 1 large tomato, chopped and drained)

1 cup cucumber, coarsely chopped

Prepare pasta according to package directions for salad pasta draining and running under cold water.  Let pasta cool while you prepare other ingredients. Mix all together in a large salad bowl and add homemade ranch dressing made with recipe below.  Let cool in refrigerator for several hours before serving or overnight.  Makes about 10 to 12 servings. Serve over lettuce or as is. (Note: This salad will keep in the refrigerator for several days. If becomes dry after a few days, add more mayo.)   ENJOY!

Ranch Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing (your preference)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon dillweed

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Makes about 1 cup dressing.   Pour over pasta salad.  (I love this dressing and could eat it with chips!)

Print Recipe

Ranch Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is so refreshing on a summer day. Make this to enjoy with family and friends for any gathering. The ranch dressing is delicious too!

Prep Time20 mins

Total Time20 mins

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American, southern

Keyword: ranch pasta salad

Author: The Southern Lady Cooks

Ingredients

• 8 ounces salad rotini pasta could use any kind of pasta you like
• 1 can medium pitted ripe olives weight 6 ounces, drained, chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast chopped (Optional)
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup green onion chopped (or about 3 onions)
• 12 cherry tomatoes cut in half (could use more or 1 large tomato, chopped and drained)
• 1 cup cucumber coarsely chopped

Ranch Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing your preference
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon dillweed

Instructions

• Prepare pasta according to package directions for salad pasta draining and running under cold water. Let pasta cool while you prepare other ingredients.
• Mix all together in a large salad bowl and add homemade ranch dressing made with recipe below. Let cool in refrigerator for several hours before serving or overnight. Makes about 10 to 12 servings. Serve over lettuce or as is. (Note: This salad will keep in the refrigerator for several days. If becomes dry after a few days, add more mayo.)

Dressing Instructions

• Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Makes about 1 cup dressing. Pour over pasta salad

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