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Fresh Rainbow Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Kid-Friendly Creamy Ranch

fresh kid-friendly rainbow pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy kid-friendly rainbow pasta salad with creamy ranch dressing, packed with fresh veggies and colorful pasta that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rainbow rotini pasta
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) creamy ranch dressing
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange mix)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded or finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rainbow rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7–9 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. This also helps prevent it from sticking together.
  3. While the pasta cooks, dice 1 cup of mixed bell peppers, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, shred 1 medium carrot, and thaw 1/2 cup of frozen peas. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley or chives if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepared vegetables and herbs. Toss gently to combine without breaking the pasta.
  5. Pour 3/4 cup (180 ml) of creamy ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss again until everything is evenly coated. If you prefer it creamier, add an extra tablespoon or two, but be careful not to drown the salad.
  6. Add a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently once more, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. For best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. However, it’s perfectly fine to serve immediately if you’re short on time.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture. Rinse pasta well with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Chop veggies uniformly for even bites and better presentation. Add ranch dressing gradually to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Salad holds well chilled for up to 24 hours but avoid dressing too far in advance to keep veggies fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: rainbow pasta salad, kid-friendly pasta salad, creamy ranch pasta salad, easy pasta salad, colorful pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-rainbow-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-kid-friendly-creamy-ranch/