Description

A quick, creamy, and portable pasta salad that is perfect for last-minute gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. It combines rotini pasta with a rich ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) Rotini or Penne Pasta
1.5 cups (360ml) Ranch Dressing (full-fat bottled or homemade)
1 cup (100g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 stalks Celery, finely diced
4–5 stalks Green Onions, sliced thin
1 medium Red Bell Pepper, diced
1 tablespoon Salt (for pasta water)
Optional: 1/2 cup Crumbled Bacon
Optional: 1/2 cup Black Olives, sliced

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately run cold water over it for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water.
While the pasta boils, finely dice the celery, bell pepper, and green onions.
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the ranch dressing. If using homemade ranch, whisk mayo, sour cream, seasoning, and milk until smooth.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced vegetables, and any optional add-ins like bacon or olives. Toss again until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Do not skip rinsing the pasta; it removes excess starch and cools the pasta quickly for a cold salad. Use full-fat dressing for the best texture and flavor. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth mixing. This salad tastes better the next day as flavors deepen. Do not freeze, as the texture of the pasta and dairy will be ruined.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 12

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, summer picnic, potluck recipe, quick dinner, cold pasta salad, easy side dish