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Easy Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing Recipe Kids Love to Make

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A quick and kid-friendly pasta salad featuring rotini or elbow macaroni tossed with fresh vegetables and creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simple family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced cucumber, peeled if preferred
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini or elbow macaroni. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste a piece a minute before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Shake off excess water.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup (150 grams) of cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup (75 grams) cucumber, and 1/2 cup (75 grams) red bell pepper. Slice 1/4 cup (30 grams) black olives if using. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill finely.
  4. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the chopped veggies, 1/2 cup (60 grams) shredded cheese, and herbs. Gently fold to combine without mashing the tomatoes.
  5. Pour 3/4 cup (180 ml) ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. If the salad looks dry, add a bit more dressing, but be careful not to overdo it.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season lightly at first as ranch dressing can be salty. Give a final gentle toss.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and sprinkle a bit more fresh herb if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up in the salad. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and cool noodles. Toss gently to avoid bursting tomatoes. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Add delicate ingredients like avocado or fresh herbs just before serving. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ranch dressing and pasta accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch dressing, kid-friendly, easy recipe, potluck, picnic, quick side dish

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-pasta-salad-with-ranch-dressing-recipe-kids-love-to-make/