Corn And Pasta Salad With Homemade Ranch Dressing
Salads are an essential part of our diet, especially during summers when we crave something light, refreshing, and healthy. If you are looking for a salad that ticks all these boxes and is also delicious, then the corn and pasta salad with homemade ranch dressing is perfect for you. This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients and is incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to make this salad are as follows:
- 1 cup dried elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- For the homemade ranch dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The measurements given above serve about 4-6 people.
Instructions
Here's how you can make this delicious salad:
- Boil water in a pot and add a pinch of salt. Add the elbow macaroni pasta and cook until it's al dente or according to package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water. Keep aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, grated cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh dill. Mix well.
- To make the ranch dressing, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the dressing to the salad and mix well. Cover and chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Variations
While this salad is quite fabulous in its classic form, you can also mix things up by getting creative with some variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite pasta shape.
- Add some cooked shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or crispy bacon to the salad.
- Use different types of cheese like feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese instead of cheddar.
- Add in some avocado or sliced olives for a creamier texture and a more diverse flavor profile.
- Make the salad vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream substitutes and skipping the cheese.
Conclusion
The corn and pasta salad with homemade ranch dressing is a flavorful and nutritious salad that you can easily whip up for a family gathering, potluck, or weeknight dinner. The salad is perfect for summer when you want to eat something light and refreshing that doesn't require too much cooking. So, what are you waiting for? Get the ingredients and make this salad today!