This four-ingredient pasta salad is a go-to for easy meal prep. Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh bell peppers, it's the perfect addition to any meal.
The 4-Ingredient Pasta Salad is proof that you don't need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create something delicious.
This simple, yet flavorful dish is perfect for those moments when you need a quick and easy recipe that doesn't compromise on taste.
Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own every time you prepare it.
Remember, sometimes the best dishes are the simplest ones. So next time you're in need of a quick side dish or light meal, give this 4-Ingredient Pasta Salad a try - I'm confident it will become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.
I've added a little dill and chopped scallions as optional toppings, but that's mostly just to make it a little prettier for the photos. We make this all the time, but don't usually add any garnishes at all!
Try serving your 4 ingredient pasta salad as a side dish along with Buttermilk Old Bay Chicken Legs, Air Fryer Tuna Steak, or Garlic Butter Steak Bites!
Whether you need a quick side dish for a barbecue, a potluck, or a light lunch, this pasta salad has got you covered.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ease of Preparation: With only four ingredients, this recipe is practically foolproof.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Versatility: Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or even a quick snack.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta salad is universally appealing, making it a hit at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Pasta: Choose a pasta that holds onto the dressing well, like spirali, penne, or farfalle. If you prefer, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat varieties for some added fiber.
- Mayonnaise: This is the base of the creamy dressing. For a lighter option, use a low-fat mayonnaise or use half mayo and half Greek yogurt.
- Ranch Dressing: Adds tang and flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing. If you're not a fan of ranch, you can substitute with Caesar or a creamy Italian dressing. Try it with Wingstop Ranch (copycat).
- Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and a burst of color. You can use any color bell pepper, or even substitute with diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for a different twist.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until well combined and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta and diced bell pepper to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Enjoy immediately or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Serve the creamy 4-ingredient pasta salad chilled as a side dish or light lunch.
If you want, you can garnish with chopped herbs and/or scallions.
Serving Suggestions
his pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It's especially great for barbecues and picnics.
- On a Bed of Greens: Turn it into a more substantial meal by serving it over a bed of mixed greens with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or nuts.
- As a Potluck Dish: This pasta salad is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. It's easy to make in large quantities and travels well.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own with a side of fruit or raw veggies.
Variations
- Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or diced ham.
- Vegetable Twist: Toss in some olives, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for extra veggies.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle in some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or crumbled feta for added richness.
- Herbed Up: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can elevate the flavors of this simple salad.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Storage and Freezing Advice
This 4-Ingredient Pasta Salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or to have on hand for a quick snack or side dish. Before serving, give it a good stir.
Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad because the mayonnaise and ranch dressing tend to separate when thawed, which can affect the texture and taste.
Make Ahead: This pasta salad is an excellent make-ahead dish because the flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. Prepare the salad as directed, then cover and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop. If you're planning to make it a day or two in advance, simply store the sauce and pasta separately in the refrigerator, and combine shortly before serving.
More Pasta Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially after being mixed with the creamy dressing.
- Cool the Pasta Properly: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool it down quickly. This helps the pasta retain its shape and prevents it from becoming too soft.
- Customize the Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. Just keep in mind that the more ingredients you add, the more dressing you may need.
- Season to Taste: Always taste the pasta salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference.
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📖 Recipe
4-ingredient Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta such as spiralli, penne or farfalle
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
Optional toppings
- Fresh chopped dill weed
- Chopped scallions
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and diced bell pepper to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy immediately or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed.
- Serve the creamy 4-ingredient pasta salad chilled as a side dish or light lunch.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
carrie says
So delicious. Thanks for sharing.
dana says
This was so good! We went to a cookout on a whim so this was perfect. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Vicky says
I just tried this pasta salad and it was a hit at our family barbecue! The fresh ingredients really made the flavors pop, and it was so easy to whip up — I’ll definitely be making it again.
Beth says
I made this with fried chicken for dinner last night, and we absolutely loved it!
Kathleen says
I saw it on pinterest and had to try it. I added extra dill, but that's it. Oh, and I used a mix of red and green bell peppers. Took it to a potluck and it was a hit