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Easy Creamy Dump Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer BBQs

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A quick, creamy, and crowd-pleasing pasta salad with ranch seasoning, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This recipe is easy to make with pantry staples and delivers a refreshing, tangy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onion
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: chopped cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, or sliced black olives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to drain completely (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 packet ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. If you want a thinner dressing, add a tablespoon or two of milk, but don’t overdo it or the salad will be runny.
  3. Once the pasta is well-drained and cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat all the noodles without breaking them.
  4. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup chopped green onion, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (optional). Stir to combine.
  5. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If it seems thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it for a creamy salad. Mix dressing thoroughly before adding pasta. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Add optional ingredients like bacon or tomatoes last to maintain texture. Salad tastes better the next day. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version and vegan mayo/sour cream for vegan adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer BBQ side, easy pasta salad, dump and mix salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-creamy-dump-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/