This Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad is just what your barbecue or potluck needs! I mix together ranch seasoning with extra virgin olive oil to create this Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad that everyone will love!
If you love 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!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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. They both make such a super easy lunch or dinner. You can also prepare them ahead of time for a barbecue or party.
And same goes for this super easy Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad recipe. So, I know most ranch pasta salads will use creamy ranch dressing. But, with this Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad recipe I used Watkins Organic Ranch Salad Dressing Packet, 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 dressing packet.
So, if you were supposed to bring something to someone’s cookout tomorrow and you didn’t have anything yet, then this recipe for Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad is just what you’re looking for! You can even add cheese to it, I was going to when I made it, but honestly just forgot haha! If you’d like to add cheese, add 1 cup of shredded white cheddar, cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese you think would go well!
Ingredients for Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad
Organic Penne Noodles
Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Watkins Organic Ranch Salad Dressing Packet
Frontier Co-Op Organic Garlic Powder
Frontier Co-Op Organic Onion Powder
Organic Broccoli
Organic Valley Grassmilk Raw Cheddar Cheese
Organic Yellow Bell Pepper
Organic Cucumber
Organic Carrots
Organic Purple Cabbage
Organic Red Onion
Organic Prairie Roasted Deli Turkey
Frontier Co-Op Organic Black Pepper
Why go organic?
You may be wondering why I push organic ingredients for everything, even savory and healthy dishes. Organic ingredients go beyond just health and wellness, and contribute so much to the taste and flavor of a recipe. So, if you think that you’re making something healthy and buying fruits, veggies, or meats so maybe you don’t need to spend the extra to go organic here – let me sway your thinking.
Organic ingredients are made in a more pure way, therefore using no additives, no GMOs, and minimal ingredients. This really allows the true ingredients to shine – and because of that their flavor shines through. Therefore, organic ingredients are more flavorful than their non organic counterparts. So, just because it’s already a healthy recipe, or you’re already buying good for you ingredients – it doesn’t mean you can skip organic! Trust me here, and make the switch. Your body and your taste buds will thank you!
So, I highly recommend that you buy the best organic ingredients for this recipe! You can also shop my Amazon Storefront for all my favorite organic ingredients here. Tip – hover over each ingredient to see the name. And if you want to learn more about organic foods and the difference, read my post here on Food Labels and What They Mean.
This Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad can be made as a meal. But, it also makes a great side dish for any backyard barbecue!
Ingredients
1 pound organic Penne noodles
2 packets Watkins Organic Ranch Salad Dressing
1/2 teaspoon organic garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon organic onion powder
1/2 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped organic broccoli florets
1 cup organic shredded white cheddar cheese (optional)
1 organic yellow bell pepper, diced
1 organic cucumber, quartered
1 cup organic grated carrots
1 cup chopped organic purple cabbage
1/2 cup organic diced red onion
1 pound ounces organic turkey, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 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
- Gluten Free — Use gluten free noodles.
- High Altitude — Follow the recipe as noted, however, noodles may take a bit longer to cook than the box notes so be sure to check they are done.
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Make sure to check out my Italian Pasta Salad recipe, which I’m sure you’ll love too! And, share it with someone who you think will like it too!
