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As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer gatherings and picnics become a staple of outdoor life. Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a potluck, or a beach outing, pasta salads frequently take center stage. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to feed a crowd make them a perennial favorite. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes, the Creamy Ranch Delight Pasta Salad stands out as a refreshing and vibrant dish that embodies the essence of summer dining.

Easy Ranch Pasta Salad

Elevate your summer gatherings with the Creamy Ranch Delight Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. This delightful salad features rotini pasta tossed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all coated in a creamy ranch dressing made even healthier with Greek yogurt. Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite and customize it to fit dietary preferences. Discover this refreshing recipe that will be a hit at your next event!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers, diced (you can choose a mix of colors for a vibrant look)

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup corn (use either canned or frozen, thawed as needed)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup creamy ranch dressing

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and tang)

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring about 4-6 cups of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt along with the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, take the time to chop your vegetables. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion. If you're using frozen corn, place it in a colander and run cold water over it to thaw, or microwave for about a minute until warm.

      Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until well incorporated and smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as desired.

        Mix It All Together: Add the cooled rotini pasta, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

          Chill and Meld Flavors: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

            Serve with a Flourish: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Taste it one last time and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter, and for a lovely finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. This will add a burst of color and flavor to your dish.

              Prep Time / Total Time / Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 6

                Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful pasta salad at your next gathering or as a delightful meal prep option!