The First Bite That Hooked Me
I still remember my first forkful of this salad at a backyard BBQ. The cool noodles, tangy dressing, and crunchy veggies made me go back for thirds. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple pasta salad into something unforgettable? That mix of Italian and ranch dressings? Pure magic. Now it’s my go-to for every potluck.My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
My first attempt ended with Cajun seasoning everywhere. I sneezed mid-sprinkle, coating my counter in orange dust. Home cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about flavor and fun. The salad still tasted amazing, even with extra “seasoned” countertops. Now I laugh while measuring spices.Why This Salad Stands Out
– The double-dressing combo makes each bite creamy AND zesty. – Tiny cheese cubes melt just enough when tossed with warm pasta. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the pepperoni’s kick or the fresh dill’s brightness? Tell me below!A Salad With Roots
This dish blends Italian-American pasta salads with Southern ranch love. *Did you know ranch dressing was invented in Alaska?* It traveled south, met Italian dressing, and became BBQ royalty. Perfect for feeding a crowd without fuss. Got a twist on this recipe? Share your version in the comments!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thin spaghetti noodles (broken in half) | 1 lb | |
| Salad Supreme seasoning | ¼ cup | |
| Cajun seasoning | ½ teaspoon | |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon | finely chopped |
| Fresh dill weed | 1 tablespoon | finely chopped |
| Italian Salad Dressing | 1½ cup | |
| Ranch Dressing | 2 tablespoons | |
| Cucumbers | 1 cup | finely diced |
| Sweet cherry tomatoes | 1 cup | finely diced |
| Red onions | ⅓-½ cup | finely diced |
| Mixed bell peppers (red, green, yellow) | ½ cup | |
| Cheddar cheese | ½ cup | cut into tiny cubes |
| Hard pepperoni (optional) | ½ cup | cut into cubes (turkey pepperoni sticks used) |
Make This Zesty Pasta Salad in 30 Minutes
Step 1 Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops cooking and cools pasta fast. Set aside in a large bowl.
Step 2 Sprinkle pasta with Salad Supreme, Cajun seasoning, dill, and parsley. Toss well to coat evenly. The herbs add fresh flavor. (*Hard-learned tip: Measure seasonings over the sink to avoid spills!*)
Step 3 Mix Italian and ranch dressings in a small bowl. Pour over pasta and toss gently. The combo adds creamy tang.
Step 4 Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, cheese, and pepperoni. Toss again until everything is mixed. Adjust amounts to your taste.
Step 5 Cover and chill for at least one hour. Toss before serving to redistribute flavors. Garnish with extra herbs if you like. What’s your go-to potluck dish? Share below!
Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Yield: 8 servings Category: Side Dish, Salad
3 Fun Twists on This Salad
Vegetarian Skip the pepperoni. Add chickpeas or black olives for protein.
Spicy Double the Cajun seasoning. Toss in jalapeños for extra heat.
Summer Sweet Swap tomatoes for diced peaches. Use honey mustard dressing instead. Which twist would you try? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve with grilled chicken or garlic bread. Top with extra cheese for crunch. Pair with lemonade or iced tea for a non-alcoholic option. Beer or rosé works for adults. Which would you choose tonight?
Keep It Fresh or Freeze It
This salad stays fresh in the fridge for 3 days. Toss it before serving each time. Freezing isn’t ideal—the veggies get mushy. *Fun fact*: My grandkids sneak bites straight from the bowl! Batch-cook tip: Double the pasta and dressing, but add fresh veggies later. Why this matters: Pre-mixed dressings save time but lose crunch. Ever tried adding avocado? Share your twist below!Fix Common Flubs
Too dry? Add a splash of Italian dressing. Soggy noodles? Rinse them under cold water longer. Bland? Boost flavor with extra Salad Supreme. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big differences. Last summer, my neighbor added jalapeños—game changer! What’s your go-to fix for bland pasta salad?Quick Questions, Quick Answers
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free noodles. Cook them al dente.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this?
A: Mix everything but veggies 1 day early. Add veggies 2 hours before serving.
Q: Any cheese swaps?
A: Try feta or mozzarella cubes for a twist.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes! Use 8 oz pasta and adjust other ingredients.
Q: Missing an herb?
A: Use 1 tsp dried dill if fresh isn’t handy.
Your Turn to Shine
This salad’s a crowd-pleaser at my picnics. I’d love to see your version! Tag@SpoonSway on Pinterest. Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Zesty Italian Ranch Spaghetti Salad for Cookouts
Description
A refreshing and zesty pasta salad perfect for cookouts, packed with Italian and ranch flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. (do not overcook)
- Drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta is cold. Set aside.
- Place drained pasta into a large bowl or casserole dish.
- Sprinkle pasta with salad supreme, cajun seasoning, dill weed, and fresh parsley. Toss until coated.
- Mix together Italian dressing and ranch dressing.
- Pour dressing over pasta and toss until coated.
- Add remaining ingredients and toss to coat. (remember you add more or less to suit your taste)
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. (I refrigerate for at least an hour. See note)
- Toss before serving, as some ingredients will sink to the bottom.
- Taste and adjust any seasonings or ingredients if needed. (I usually add course black pepper and more salad supreme)
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and dill if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Pasta, Salad, Italian, Ranch, Cookout
