Refreshing Creamy Ranch Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta Base

01 - 450 g rotini or elbow macaroni
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Fresh Vegetables

03 - 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 150 g cucumber, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 70 g red onion, finely diced
07 - 100 g broccoli florets, chopped small
08 - 100 g shredded carrots
09 - 85 g corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)

→ Optional Add-ins

10 - 115 g cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
11 - 50 g bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon
12 - 65 g black olives, sliced
13 - 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
14 - 70 g green peas, thawed if frozen

→ Creamy Ranch Dressing

15 - 180 ml mayonnaise
16 - 180 ml sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
17 - 28 g ranch seasoning mix or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch mix
18 - 30 ml milk, plus more as needed
19 - 15 ml fresh lemon juice (optional)
20 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
21 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to halt cooking. Spread pasta on a tray and let cool completely.
02 - While pasta cooks, chop all vegetables and optional add-ins. Keep prepared ingredients chilled until ready to assemble.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning, milk, and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed for a pourable dressing.
04 - Combine cooled pasta, all chopped vegetables, and desired add-ins in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
05 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dusting of paprika for presentation.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may separate.
03 - Try swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.

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