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Creamy ranch pea pasta salad garnished with fresh herbs in a bowl

Creamy Ranch Pea Pasta Salad

A creamy and flavorful pasta salad combining buttery shell pasta, sweet peas, and tangy ranch dressing, perfect for gatherings and picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Peas
  • 3 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed and drained
  • 4 cups small sea shell pasta, cooked until al dente
Creamy Base
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese offers a rich and cheesy flavor
  • 1.5 cups mayonnaise creates a creamy, velvety texture
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar adds a tangy zing
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder provides aromatic depth
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard gives a slight tang
  • 1 package dry restaurant-style ranch dressing mix (0.4-ounce) for that familiar, ranchy essence
Crunchy Elements
  • 0.25 cups sunflower kernels offering a delightful crunchy contrast
  • 0.25 cups diced celery lending a fresh, crisp bite

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by adding the thawed peas to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the shell pasta until it’s tender, which typically takes about 12 minutes.
  3. Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
  4. In the same large bowl, mix the cold peas and the cooled pasta.
Mixing
  1. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, yellow mustard, and ranch dressing mix.
  3. Pour the dressing over the peas and pasta mixture, gently stirring until every piece is coated.
  4. Fold in the sunflower kernels and diced celery, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Chilling
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or chickpeas. Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and use plant-based cheese for a vegan option.