Print

Classic Southern Pasta Salad with Creamy Ranch Recipe

classic southern pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

This classic Southern pasta salad is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. It is comfort food reimagined—faster, simpler, but with the same soul-soothing satisfaction you expect from a family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces rotini pasta (about 4 cups dry)
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain and cool: Pour the pasta into a colander and rinse with cold running water until cool to the touch. Shake the colander well to remove excess water. Let it sit for a few minutes to drain completely.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, whole milk, and ranch dressing mix until smooth and fully combined. Add a pinch of black pepper if desired.
  4. Prep the vegetables: While the pasta cools, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Slice the green onions. Thaw the frozen peas by running them under warm water. Cube the cheddar cheese. Chop the hard-boiled eggs.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced vegetables, cubed cheese, peas, chopped eggs, and sliced green onions. Pour the ranch dressing over the top. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently but thoroughly.
  6. Season and adjust: Taste the pasta salad and add salt and pepper as needed. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or a dollop of extra mayo.
  7. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Overnight is even better.
  8. Give it a final stir: Before serving, stir the pasta salad well. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra green onion tops or a sprinkle of paprika.

Notes

Salt your pasta water generously. Do not overcook the pasta. Rinse with cold water thoroughly. Let the pasta dry a bit after rinsing. Make the dressing separately. Chill it properly. Save some dressing for later to freshen up leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, southern pasta salad, creamy ranch pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer side dish, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/classic-southern-pasta-salad-with-creamy-ranch-recipe/