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Flavorful Firecracker Pasta Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

firecracker pasta salad - featured image
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A bold and creamy pasta salad with a spicy ranch dressing that delivers a perfect balance of heat and coolness, ideal for summer cookouts and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled if preferred
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely chop red bell pepper, thinly slice green onions, and shred carrots if using.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt. Fold in chopped parsley or chives. Adjust seasoning and heat to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables. Pour the spicy ranch dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated. Add extra mayo or a splash of milk if the salad seems dry.
  5. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the heat to mellow. Stir before serving and garnish with optional cheese if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Make dressing ahead for better flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; stir in a splash of milk or mayo if dry before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, spicy ranch dressing, summer salad, firecracker pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/flavorful-firecracker-pasta-salad-recipe-with-spicy-ranch-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/