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As the summer days roll in, there's nothing quite like a refreshing pasta salad to brighten up your gatherings. Versatile and easy to prepare, pasta salads are the ultimate dish for picnics, barbecues, and light meals. Among the myriad of pasta salad recipes, the Cool Ranch Pasta Salad stands out as a favorite for many, combining fresh ingredients with a creamy, tangy flavor that leaves everyone wanting more. With its eye-catching colors and vibrant flavors, this salad not only pleases the palate but also serves as a feast for the eyes.

Cool Ranch Pasta Salad

Beat the summer heat with a vibrant and refreshing Cool Ranch Pasta Salad! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light meals, this dish features rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, sweet corn, and a creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together. Easy to customize, you can add your favorite veggies or proteins for an extra twist. This flavorful salad is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a must-try for your summer gatherings.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen, thawed)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup ranch dressing

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (optional for extra flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Make sure to keep everything bite-sized for easy eating.

      Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.

        Add Dressing: Pour the ranch dressing over the pasta salad. If desired, add the ranch seasoning mix for an extra kick of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated in dressing.

          Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

            Serve: Enjoy this Cool Ranch Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or picnic, or as a light and creamy meal on its own!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6