Creamy, crunchy, and packed with bold ranch flavor, this Ranch Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing classic - perfect for potlucks, picnics, or

make-ahead lunches. Loaded with bacon, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds, it’s hearty yet refreshing.

Ingredients

Ranch Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix or scant ¼ cup homemade ranch seasoning

• ¼ cup chopped fresh soft herbs (chives, parsley, dill, or a mix), plus more for garnish (optional)

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad

• 6 ounces bacon (about 6 slices), cut into ¼-inch pieces

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• 12 ounces dry short pasta (fusilli works well)

• 1 medium head broccoli (about 12 oz), cut into small bite-sized florets (about 3 cups)

• 2 medium radishes, thinly sliced

• 2 medium scallions, finely chopped

• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)

• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1½ cups)

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp.

• Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

• Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool. Set aside.

3. Make the Ranch Dressing

• In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch mix, chopped herbs, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Prep the Vegetables

• In a separate bowl, toss diced tomatoes with kosher salt. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain excess liquid.

5. Assemble the Salad

• Add cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing.

• Fold in broccoli, radishes, scallions, olives, carrots, cheddar cheese, bacon, and sunflower seeds.

• Add tomatoes last and gently mix until evenly coated.

6. Chill and Serve

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

• Garnish with extra herbs if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch: add chopped celery or bell peppers

• For lighter dressing: swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt

• Make ahead: tastes even better the next day

Final Note

Creamy, savory, and full of texture, this Ranch Pasta Salad is a guaranteed hit wherever it goes - simple to make, big on flavor, and endlessly

customizable.