If you love the flavor of creamy ranch dressing, then this pasta salad recipe is for you. It has the perfect ratio of pasta and dressing. Cucumber and tomato lighten up the salad and add some crunch. Ham and cheese not only provide flavor but make the pasta salad heartier. You can almost eat this as a meal. It will be perfect for your summer bbq's, potluck parties and picnics. This was delicious right after we combined ingredients... but it was really delicious after it chilled for a while. We definitely recommend making this a few hours ahead of time. This is one of my most requested pasta salads at my house. There are few ingredients and kids always like it. If you don't like the tomato, replace it with another veggie such as red bell pepper, green onion, radish, or zucchini. Or leave it out! It is still really good and really simple.
Ingredients :
- 3 cup(s) pasta, large shells or spiral work well
- 1 package(s) Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Ranch dressing mix (envelope)
- 1 1/2 cup(s) Colby jack cheese, diced (or any block cheese)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled
- 1 cup(s) grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup(s) ham, diced (optional)
- 1 cup(s) mayonnaise
- 1 cup(s) buttermilk
Intructions :
- Prepare pasta noodles al dente according to package directions
- Strain and cool
- In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing envelope according to the package directions adding mayo & buttermilk
- I thin it out with a couple additional tablespoons of buttermilk or milk if needed
- Add cubed cheese, cucumber, tomato halves, and optional ham to the pasta
- Add dressing
- Combine well
- Refrigerate for an hour or more. If the noodles soak up most of the dressing, you may add a bit of milk to loosen it up or just a squirt or two of bottled dressing.
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Keyword : ranch dressing-pasta salad-American-Pasta