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Easy Make-Ahead Bento Box Pasta Salad with Creamy Ranch

make-ahead bento box pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring rotini or bowtie pasta, fresh veggies, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for make-ahead lunches, it stays fresh and flavorful for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk or regular milk

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop ½ cup red bell pepper, shred ½ cup carrots, slice 2 green onions thinly, and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley, plus ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar and 2 tablespoons buttermilk to thin. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the chopped veggies and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Pour the creamy ranch dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Portion into bento boxes or airtight containers for make-ahead lunches.
  6. When ready, give the salad a quick stir and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking is key to prevent sticking and keep it firm. The salad tastes better after chilling for at least an hour or overnight. If salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or extra dressing. The recipe is versatile: swap veggies or add proteins like chicken or chickpeas. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy ranch, make-ahead lunch, bento box, easy pasta salad, rotini pasta, bowtie pasta, healthy lunch, picnic salad

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-make-ahead-bento-box-pasta-salad-with-creamy-ranch-recipe/