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Pasta salads are a beloved staple in the culinary world, celebrated for their versatility and delightful flavor combinations. Whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue, a light lunch for a picnic, or a quick weeknight dinner, pasta salads can cater to any occasion. Among the myriad of recipes, the Creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad stands out with its unique twist. By incorporating creamy avocado and ranch dressing, this dish achieves a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad

Discover a refreshing spin on a classic with the Creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this dish combines the creamy texture of avocados with vibrant vegetables like cherry tomatoes, corn, and red bell peppers. Tossed in a zesty homemade ranch dressing, it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a light meal or a delightful side, making it a healthy yet satisfying option for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or feta) for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt further cooking. Set aside to cool.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, take this time to prepare your vegetables. Dice the ripe avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the red bell pepper and red onion into small pieces. Additionally, finely chop the fresh cilantro. If you’re using frozen corn, make sure it is fully thawed before adding it to the salad.

      Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, blend the ranch dressing with the freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk together until the dressing is smooth and well incorporated. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed.

        Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, chopped avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the ranch dressing mixture over the combined pasta and vegetables. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating, being cautious not to mash the avocado pieces.

            Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle the top with shredded cheese if desired.

              Enjoy: Serve this vibrant salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course on warm days!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes

                  Total Time: 45 minutes

                    Servings: 4-6 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, colorful bowl for a vibrant display, or portion into individual servings with a slice of lime on the side for an extra pop of color!