Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad
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This Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad is just what your barbecue or potluck needs! I mix together my Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix with No Sugar with extra virgin olive oil to create this Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad that everyone will love!
If you love organic pasta salad as much as I do, be sure to check out my Caprese Pasta Salad or my Italian Pasta Salad, both would also be amazing additions to a barbecue!
Fourth of July is tomorrow! And if you are looking for a last minute easy recipe, I got you covered. Pasta salad is something I love to make when it's hot outside, as it's a super easy and cool lunch or dinner. If you haven't yet tried my Caprese Pasta Salad or my Italian Pasta Salad, then give them a try! You can also easily prepare pasta salad ahead of time for a barbecue or party.
So, I know most ranch pasta salads will use creamy ranch dressing. But, with this Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad recipe I use Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix with No Sugar and I mixed it with extra virgin olive oil for a little different spin on your typical ranch pasta salad. Plus, this one is much more healthy! If you made my Garlic Ranch Pretzels, then you will also love this recipe as it's the same flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and Refreshing: Unlike traditional creamy pasta salad, this healthier version uses lighter ingredients like extra virgin olive oil for the ranch dressing, making it a refreshing and guilt-free option perfect for warm weather.
Nutrient-Packed: This Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables like broccoli, cucumbers, and bell peppers, providing a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Protein-Rich: Adding lean proteins like turkey turn this organic pasta salad into a hearty meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients & Health Benefits
- Noodles: I use organic Penne noodles, but any spiral or similar size noodle will work.
- EVOO: I use organic extra virgin olive oil which has healthy fat and anti inflammatory properties. This makes this healthy pasta salad much better for you than a creamy version.
- Ranch Seasoning: I use my Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix with No Sugar, but you can use any Ranch seasoning you like.
- Spices: I use organic garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper for flavor.
- Broccoli: Organic broccoli is a cruciferous veggie, which is great for gut health.
- Bell Pepper: I use organic yellow bell pepper, but any color works. Bell peppers have antioxidants, vitamin C, and more.
- Cucumber: Organic cucumbers have potassium, vitamin C, K, and more.
- Carrots: I add grated carrots, which add a little sweetness. Organic carrots have vitamin A, beta carotene, and more.
- Cabbage: I use organic purple cabbage, which is a gut healthy veggie. It also adds amazing crunch to this pasta salad. You can also use green cabbage as well.
- Onion: I use organic red onion, as I like the sweetness it brings and it's not as overpowering as yellow when served raw.
- Cheese: This is optional, but you can do grated cheddar cheese.
- Turkey Deli: I use organic turkey deli meat for lean protein. You can also use chicken or even deli ham or salami too!
Tools Needed
- 3-Quart Pot: You'll need a 3-quart pot to cook the noodles.
- Cutting Board: You'll need a cutting board to cut the veggies.
- Knife: Use a sharp knife.
- Mixing Bowl: I use a large (and I really mean large!) mixing bowl to mix up this pasta salad.
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Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Cook the noodles per the instructions on the box. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2
In a small bowl add the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Whisk to combine completely, set aside.
Step 3
In a very large bowl, add the noodles, broccoli, yellow pepper, cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, onion, turkey, and cheese (if using). Add the dressing over the top and stir to combine completely. Add salt and pepper to taste.
FAQ's
Yes, if you prefer to buy ranch seasoning, you can do that as well. I recommend using the Watkins Organic Ranch Seasoning packets.
Yes, feel free to use any veggies you have on hand that you like! This salad would be delicious with so many different options.
Yes, feel free to use cooked chicken, ham, or even brats!
Craving More?
Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 pound Penne noodles
- 2 ½ tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cucumber (quartered)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped purple cabbage
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 pound turkey (diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles per the instructions on the box. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small bowl add the ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil. Whisk to combine completely, set aside.
- In a very large bowl, add the noodles, broccoli, yellow pepper, cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, onion, turkey, and cheese (if using). Add the dressing over the top and stir to combine completely. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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This is my go to recipe for summer potlucks, people are always asking me for this recipe!