Introduction: Quick Ranch Pasta Salad

By Cute DIY Projects
About: We are Nicole and Bianca, bloggers of the Cute DIY Projects. We create and collect about all things party, from decor to food to DIY projects and more.

Pasta is known to be very rich in carbohydrates, which is why it may not be the best choice for dieters – however, you can easily make it healthier by turning it into a delicious, low-calorie Ranch pasta salad, as described right here!

Step 1: Get All the Ingredients!

The Ranch pasta salad certainly looks delicious, but before you get to enjoy the final results, you will firstly need to gather the ingredients. For the salad, you will need:

  • Half a red bell pepper
  • Half a yellow bell pepper
  • One generous cup of cheese
  • One cup of ham
  • One and a half cups of broccoli
  • One cup of Greek yogurt
  • Two large carrots
  • One pound of already cooked pasta (regardless of the type)
  • Quarter cup of low-fat or fat-free Miracle whip
  • One package of special ranch dressing mix, for the salad!

Step 2: Create the Special Dressing for the Salad!

What makes this otherwise simple salad taste so good is the thick, creamy dressing! For this sauce, you will need to combine the ranch dressing mix with the Miracle Whip and the Greek yogurt, then place it in a bowl and set it aside – you will add it to the salad at the end!

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

The pasts is the “forte”, or the strong point of the salad, this is why you must prepare it al dente (until it is firm to the bite!), then carefully drain it and add a few drops of either canola oil or olive oil. The oil will prevent the pasta from sticking together – do not put too much, though!

Step 4: Chop the Vegetables and the Ham

Now that the pasta is ready, let it sit for a few minutes until you chop the ham and the veggies in small cubes. Once you are done, make sure to carefully grate the cheese and then to combine everything together with the pasta.

Step 5: Finish the Salad

Add three quarters of the dressing described at “Step 2″, then stir carefully until all the ingredients are mixed together. You can add the remaining quarter of the dressing when serving the salad, if you need it. It is highly recommended to place the salad in the freezer for a few minutes, as it is best served cold! Enjoy!

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