Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 8 ounces of pasta (choose any shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
- Vegetables:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella recommended)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Set the cooled pasta aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Peel and thinly slice the red onion to ensure they blend well in the salad without overpowering other flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber and sliced red onion. Toss them gently to mix.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the cucumber and onion.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and vegetables. You can choose between cheddar for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the ranch dressing over the salad. Start with about half the dressing and add more as needed, depending on how creamy you want the salad to be.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that the pasta, vegetables, and cheese are evenly coated with the dressing. This mixing step is crucial for distributing the flavors throughout the salad.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. This is the time to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve:
- If using, chop some fresh parsley or dill and sprinkle it over the top of the salad for a touch of freshness and color.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld together more harmoniously.
Tips
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives for extra color and variety.
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Pasta Salad, perfect for a refreshing meal or a side dish at your next gathering!
