Hidden Valley Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and colorful dish that combines rotini pasta with a blend of fresh vegetables, shredded cheese, and savory ranch dressing. This beloved salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, or as a quick side for weeknight meals. With its zesty, satisfying flavor and hearty texture, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is incredibly easy to make, packed with bold ranch flavor, and highly versatile. The creamy dressing coats each piece of pasta and vegetable perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying bite every time. It’s a make-ahead favorite that only gets better as it chills, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Black olives (sliced)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced ham or bacon bits
- Red bell pepper (optional)
- Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (bottled or packet mix with mayo and milk)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes and black olives, dice the red bell pepper (if using), and shred the cheese.
- Make the dressing: If using the Hidden Valley Ranch mix, combine the seasoning with mayonnaise and milk as directed on the packet. Alternatively, use bottled ranch dressing.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, cheese, and diced ham or bacon bits. Pour in the ranch dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors develop. Serve cold.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Omit the ham or bacon and add extra veggies like cucumbers, broccoli, or corn.
- Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a kick.
- Italian version: Use an Italian blend of cheeses and swap ranch for Italian dressing.
- Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
- Low-carb version: Use a chickpea-based pasta or cauliflower pasta alternative.
Storage/reheating
Store the Hidden Valley Ranch Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to refresh the dressing. This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may degrade.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad the night before?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Chill overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini, fusilli, or penne are ideal because their shapes hold the dressing and mix-ins well.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing?
Absolutely. Hidden Valley bottled ranch dressing is convenient and works well in this recipe.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking and toss it with a little oil if not assembling immediately.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Yes, for a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise when mixing the ranch.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free to make the recipe suitable.
Can I add hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, chopped hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and creaminess.
Can I serve this warm?
This salad is traditionally served cold, but it can be enjoyed slightly warm if preferred.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Hidden Valley Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and fuss-free dish that adds color and comfort to any table. Whether you’re preparing it for a backyard BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a creamy pasta side, this recipe delivers every time. With its rich ranch flavor and easy prep, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Hidden Valley Ranch Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hidden Valley Ranch Pasta Salad is a creamy and flavorful side dish made with rotini pasta, cheddar cheese, olives, and ranch dressing. A quick and easy recipe perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients
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12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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3/4 cup sliced black olives
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1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
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1/2 cup chopped red onion
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1/2 cup bacon bits or diced cooked bacon (optional)
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1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (or more to taste)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, black olives, bell pepper, red onion, and bacon if using.
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Pour ranch dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
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Feel free to add chopped cucumbers, broccoli, or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
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For a lighter version, use low-fat ranch or Greek yogurt mixed with a ranch seasoning packet.
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Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Pasta Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
