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Flavorful Firecracker Pasta Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing

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A vibrant and easy pasta salad featuring a subtle spicy kick from a firecracker spice blend, fresh veggies, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded
  • ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp buttermilk or milk (to thin dressing as needed)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Optional garnishes: crumbled cooked bacon, sliced jalapeño, shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely chop red bell pepper and green onions, and shred carrots if using. Place all veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to blend evenly.
  5. In another bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of buttermilk or milk and whisk again. Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables. Sprinkle the firecracker spice blend evenly over the mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat pasta and veggies.
  7. Pour creamy ranch dressing over pasta and veggies. Toss again until everything is well coated. Stir in fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
  8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, to let flavors meld.
  9. Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, top with crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or shredded cheese.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is key. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Homemade ranch dressing enhances flavor but store-bought can be used in a pinch. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Add optional garnishes for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, firecracker spice, creamy ranch dressing, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe, summer salad, spicy pasta salad

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/flavorful-firecracker-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-ranch-dressing/