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Fresh Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade 5-Minute Veggie Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy cold pasta salad featuring rotini or bow-tie pasta, frozen peas, corn, green beans, and creamy ranch dressing. Ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for casual meals and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) rotini or bow-tie pasta
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen peas, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen corn, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen green beans, thawed and drained
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of rotini or bow-tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop cooking (about 2 minutes). Drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, place 1 cup (150g) each of frozen peas, corn, and green beans in a colander and run under cool water until thawed. Shake off excess water and let drain.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120ml) ranch dressing and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, thawed vegetables, and ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (if using). Pour the ranch dressing mixture over and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed—remember, ranch dressing is already seasoned, so go easy. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If chilling, stir gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Drain frozen veggies well to avoid sogginess. Toss gently to keep pasta and veggies intact. Adjust ranch dressing amount to taste. Lemon juice brightens flavor. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Add extra ranch or lemon juice before serving leftovers to freshen.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, ranch dressing, frozen vegetables, quick recipe, easy lunch, potluck dish, vegetarian, cold pasta salad

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/fresh-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-5-minute-veggie-pasta-salad/