This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This Roasted Red Pepper Ranch Pasta Salad is a comforting dish that beautifully marries creamy textures with a hint of zest and a little crunch. If you crave a satisfying yet simple meal, you’ve come to the right place! The roasted red pepper serves as the star, infusing the dish with a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy ranch dressing.
Why You’ll 🫶🏻 this Pasta Salad
The versatility is a major draw. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish caters to all tastes. It shines as a standalone meal or a side, and you can easily customize it by adding chicken or extra vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Additionally, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, allowing you to create a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes. Roasted red peppers not only enhance the flavor but also add a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants, making this dish a delightful, healthier meal option. If you’re excited to delight your taste buds and wow your friends, it’s time to gather your ingredients. Happy cooking! ~Nicole
A while back, I shared my recipe for Ranch Dressing with you. By adding a few more ingredients, the dressing takes on a whole new look and taste. Along with the dressing, I purée some roasted red pepper, which lends a sweet, smoky flavor. I stir in some poppy seeds for a nutty crunch, then toss them with pasta that has been drained, rinsed, and cooled. It is a tasty bowl indeed.
It is important that the pasta is cooled completely. Adding the dressing to hot pasta will cause the pasta to absorb it, leaving you with a dry salad. It is delicious as a side to grilled meats or as part of a lunchtime sandwich. You can add diced chicken or turkey and chopped fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes and red onion, for a heartier main-course meal. As I always say, “make it for you, make it your own.”
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases that you make from the links within my posts and recipe cards with no added cost to you.”
Roasted Red Pepper-Ranch Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces dried pasta, like Campanelle or Gemelli
- 1 full recipe Ranch Dressing, recipe follows
- ¼ cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- kosher salt to taste
For the Ranch Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise, I use Hellmann’s
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup sour cream, full fat or light
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, 1-2 onions depending on the size
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 small garlic clove, smashed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
For the Ranch Dressing
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the green onions, garlic, and parsley. Process until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and process again. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse just until combined. Dressing will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For the Pasta Salad
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the manufacturer's directions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, process the Ranch Dressing with the roasted pepper until smooth and combined. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and stir in the poppy seeds. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Nicole,
This sounds great, I love the flavor that roasted red peppers add to recipes! Good idea!
Thank you, Chris. It is also a great way to sneak a little vegetable into a child's diet:)
With some leftover chicken, this was such an easy and quick weeknight meal. The pasta's still on the stove, but the sauce is delicious!
Steph-
I am so pleased you are enjoying the pasta tonight. Yes, it is a quick and easy weeknight meal. Thanks for letting me know!
That is one tasty sounding pasta!
I love this idea! I've taken to making my own ranch dressing and I'm always looking for other ways to use it.
Hellmanns when I was on the East Coast…. called "Best Foods" where I live now! Same brand!
: )
thank you for the recipe,I have tried the salad(I have used homemade pasta fetuccine) and it was YUMMY!
Glad you enjoyed the recipe☺.