Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my fondest memories is from summers spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, chopping vegetables and stirring creamy dressings while she shared stories from her youth. It’s where I first learned that food isn’t just about sustenance it’s about connection. That’s why today, I’m so excited to share my Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad with you. It’s a dish that blends crisp, fresh broccoli, tender pasta, and a rich, tangy ranch dressing into a bowl of pure comfort. Whether for a family picnic, a potluck, or a weeknight side dish, this recipe never fails to bring people together.
This Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad is one of those recipes I make again and again. I love the way the cool creaminess of the dressing balances the crunch of the broccoli and the soft pasta, creating a symphony of textures that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Over the years, I’ve added little touches that make it my own a hint of garlic, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dash of love, of course.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
What I adore about this salad is how effortlessly it brings comfort to any meal. I can prepare it in under 30 minutes, it keeps well in the fridge, and it’s a recipe that both kids and adults love. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of summer lunches with friends, family barbecues, and lazy Sunday afternoons when we’d gather around the table and savor every bite together.
I also love that this Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad is versatile. You can add extra veggies, swap in different pasta shapes, or even toss in some shredded chicken for a heartier option. It’s the kind of recipe that grows with your family and adapts to your tastes, making it a true kitchen staple.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, dreamy salad:
- 250g pasta (I use rotini for its twists that catch the dressing beautifully)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch
Little kitchen secrets:
- Blanch the broccoli for just 2 minutes to keep it vibrant and crisp.
- Let the pasta cool completely before tossing with the dressing — it keeps everything creamy, not watery.
- Make the dressing a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- Bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately immerse in ice water to maintain crispness and color.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta, broccoli, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheese to the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together until the pasta and veggies are fully coated in the creamy ranch dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Optional: sprinkle sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top before serving for a delightful crunch.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually serve this Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad chilled. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or a simple sandwich for a light lunch. Sometimes, I even bring it to potlucks it’s always the first dish to disappear! I love plating it in a large, colorful bowl, letting the vibrant broccoli and bell peppers shine, and adding a few fresh herbs on top for that final touch of love.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can make this salad a day in advance. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier.
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold it doesn’t need reheating. If you like it slightly warmer, leave it at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
100-Word Short Version
My Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad is a family favorite that combines tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a tangy ranch dressing. I cook pasta al dente, blanch the broccoli, and whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and apple cider vinegar for the perfect dressing. Toss in red bell peppers, red onions, and shredded cheddar for a colorful, flavorful dish. Chill before serving and add optional nuts for crunch. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Make it ahead flavors meld beautifully overnight. A creamy, crunchy, delicious salad that everyone will love!
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 250g rotini pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse with cold water, set aside.
- Blanch broccoli 2 minutes, cool in ice water.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and cheese in dressing.
- Adjust seasoning, top with nuts if desired, serve chilled.
📝 Notes
- Make the dressing a day ahead for richer flavor.
- Blanch broccoli for crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Perfect as a side dish or light main with protein.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving size: 1 cup 🍽️
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a tangy ranch dressing for a vibrant, family-friendly dish. Quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 250g rotini pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse with cold water, set aside.
- Blanch broccoli 2 minutes, cool in ice water.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and cheese in dressing.
- Adjust seasoning, top with nuts if desired, serve chilled.
Notes
Make the dressing a day ahead for richer flavor. Blanch broccoli for crisp texture and vibrant color. Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Perfect as a side dish or light main with protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Conclusion
Cooking this Creamy Broccoli Ranch Pasta Salad always brings me back to those sunny afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s simple, comforting, and full of love exactly what I believe food should be. I hope making this salad fills your home with warmth, laughter, and delicious memories. Serve it chilled, share it with family and friends, and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite together.