Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Pasta Salad is a Must-Try
- The Secret Behind the Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dressing
- Perfect Pairings for Dinner Recipes
- Quick and Easy Meal Prep Tips
- Fresh Flavor Meets Everyday Comfort
- Final Thoughts from Betty Cooks
- Recipe + Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This creamy cilantro ranch pasta salad combines bold flavor with simple preparation. It’s a refreshing, easy recipe that works perfectly as a side dish or light meal. Great for parties, potlucks, or weekday dinners.
Why This Easy Pasta Salad is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for easy recipes that deliver serious flavor, this is one you’ll want to bookmark. With a base of tender rotini, crisp veggies, and a zesty cilantro ranch dressing, it’s refreshing, vibrant, and comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding the family, this pasta salad from Betty Cooks hits every mark. In fact, this is one of the best easy recipes we’ve ever created.
The Secret Behind the Creamy Cilantro Ranch Dressing
At the heart of this dish is a luscious homemade dressing that combines ranch seasoning, fresh lime juice, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. It’s the element that sets this salad apart. Easy recipes like this shine when a simple sauce pulls all the ingredients together—fresh and creamy with a slight tang that makes every bite pop.
Perfect Pairings for Dinner Recipes
Because this salad is both satisfying and light, it makes an ideal companion to all your favorite dinner recipes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or butter swim biscuits easy recipes. It’s also great next to spicy mains like a chicken stirfry easy recipe or a hearty protein bowl. This versatility is what makes easy recipes like this true kitchen heroes.
Quick and Easy Meal Prep Tips
This salad is not just easy to throw together—it stores beautifully too. Prep everything ahead and chill it in the fridge until ready to serve. You can even make the dressing a day early. When life is busy, recipes for dinner that save time and still impress are pure gold.
Fresh Flavor Meets Everyday Comfort
Few easy recipes feel as refreshing and cozy all at once. The coolness of the ranch and lime meets the crunch of carrots and peas in every forkful. And if you’re someone who’s always on the lookout for easy recipes ninja creami ideas or cheesey potatoes easy recipe inspiration, this pasta salad fits that same cozy vibe—just in salad form.
Final Thoughts from Betty Cooks
Here at Betty Cooks, we believe the best meals are ones that make your day easier and your table brighter. This cilantro ranch pasta salad is proof that the best easy recipes don’t need a long list of steps or ingredients. Just a few fresh items, one creamy dressing, and a few minutes of your time. Simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing every time.
Cilantro Ranch Pasta Salad – A Creamy Twist on Easy Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine peas, carrots, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch mix, milk, and lime juice to make the dressing.
- Add cooked pasta to the veggie mix and pour the dressing over everything.
- Toss well until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
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