Creamy Poolside Pasta Salad

Summer is the season of potlucks, barbecues, and poolside parties. With so many events on the calendar, it can be a challenge to think of new recipes for each occasion. But don’t worry if you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for a last-minute dish. This Creamy Poolside Pasta Salad is your perfect solution! It takes just fifteen minutes to prepare and is so delicious that it never feels like an afterthought. Plus, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, and it will still turn out amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pasta salad is a summer party staple, but this recipe adds a delightful twist to the traditional version. It’s creamy, crunchy, and the cool, zesty ranch dressing makes it perfect for a hot summer day by the pool. Not to mention, it cleverly includes a healthy portion of veggies. Despite being quick and easy to make, it always impresses! Every time we bring it to a gathering, it’s a hit, and we never return with leftovers—guests just can’t get enough!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Large serving bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 oz.) tri-color fusilli or rotini pasta
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 (1 oz.) package powdered ranch dressing mix
• 1 medium cucumber, quartered and thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (1 small head), roughly chopped
• 2 cups asparagus, woody ends removed, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, sliced into matchsticks or grated
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Two minutes before the pasta is fully cooked, add broccoli and asparagus to the pot.
3. Strain pasta and vegetables, then set aside.
4. In a large serving bowl, add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ranch mix, and garlic powder. Whisk to combine.
5. Add the pasta, cooked and raw vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber), and cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together to combine.
6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve!

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have available or prefer.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, etc. (please insert specific nutritional values here).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just give it a good toss before serving.

How long will the salad last in the fridge? It will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well for this recipe.

Conclusion

This Creamy Poolside Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering. It’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see for yourself! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you, so please share your experiences in the comments below.