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–+ servings
creamy ranch pasta salad with macaroni noodles in a bowl with celery chopped carrots and cherry tomatoes with a spoon.
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5 from 2 votes

Ranch Macaroni Salad

This ranch macaroni salad recipe is a fun twist on classic mac salad - with a zesty, tangy dressing without any mayonnaise! It makes the perfect side dish or appetizer.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Pasta, Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 345kcal
Author: Kelly Jensen
Cost: $3

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces macaroni noodles use gluten free if desired
  • 1/2 sweet onion finely diced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1/2 bell pepper chopped
  • 1.5 cups ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup sweet relish
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon each Sea Salt and Black Pepper or more to taste

Instructions

  • Cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and add the noodles to a large bowl.
  • To the cooled macaroni, add the chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, and onion.
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the ranch dressing, apple cider vinegar, sweet relish, onion powder, sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Mix the dressing well to combine, and pour it over the macaroni and vegetables.
  • Stir well to combine the dressing, making sure it coats all of the macaroni and vegetables.
  • Taste, and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Stir in the fresh parsley and chill before serving.

Notes

Make It Ahead!
This creamy ranch macaroni salad is great to make ahead for a BBQ, party, or potluck.  Make it the day before, cover and let it rest overnight, and it's ready to go the following day! 
Like traditional pasta salad or coleslaw, this macaroni salad tastes better if made a day or two before.
Substitutions and Additions
  • If you want to use another small shaped pasta instead of macaroni, go for it! Orzo, ditalini, or small shells would be excellent substitutions. Or use penne, rotini, or bowtie farfalle pasta for a medium-shape.
  • For chopped vegetables, you could also add in some cucumber, broccoli, or tomatoes if desired.
  • I find a little extra apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a nice tang - you can use white vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2349IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg