Garden Ranch Pasta Salad
Prepare to delight in a vibrant, veggie-packed dish that pairs beautifully with any BBQ spread! This Garden Ranch Pasta Salad is a colorful and refreshing option, featuring spiral-shaped pasta tossed with crisp vegetables and a tangy ranch-Dijon dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, it offers a quick and easy way to elevate your meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spiral-shaped pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup diced zucchini
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spiral-shaped pasta according to the package directions. Aim for a tender yet slightly firm texture, as it will hold up better in the salad.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, combine the broccoli florets, chopped carrots, and diced zucchini in a large bowl. These fresh vegetables will add a delightful crunch and vibrant colors to your salad.
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Rinse and Drain: Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain thoroughly to ensure no excess water remains, which could make the salad watery.
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Mix Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing with Dijon mustard. This combination creates a creamy yet tangy dressing that complements the vegetables and pasta perfectly.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the ranch and mustard dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, making it even more refreshing.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320.2
- Fat: 16.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 8.1 mg
- Sodium: 341.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Protein: 6.9 g
This delightful pasta salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile. Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities according to your family’s preferences. It’s an easy way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with any barbecue or casual meal. Enjoy! 🌿🍴🥕
