Description
Creamy ranch pasta salad with beef is a delectable dish that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich ranch dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy family gatherings, this salad is easy to whip up and sure to impress your guests. With vibrant colors and bold flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- While the beef cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned beef, chopped veggies, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling & Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize by adding bell peppers or olives for added crunch. For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with grilled chicken or tofu. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days.