Ranch Macaroni Salad for Kids
Brighten up your family mealtime with this kid-approved Ranch Macaroni Salad! This colorful and creamy pasta salad features tender elbow macaroni tossed in a luscious blend of ranch dressing and sour cream, creating a flavor-packed base that kids love. Packed with wholesome veggies like peas, shredded carrots, and sweet corn, along with melty shredded cheddar cheese, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. The quick 20-minute prep and cook time make it perfect for busy parents, and you can serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch or snack. Sprinkle a touch of fresh parsley on top for extra flair, and watch this irresistible side dish become an instant favorite in your household!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.75 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 0.5 cup sweet corn, canned and drained
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Drain and run the pasta under cold water to cool it down completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and sour cream. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas, shredded carrot, and sweet corn to the bowl. Mix well to evenly coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently stir to combine everything. Ensure the macaroni is fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled. This Ranch Macaroni Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2488 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.4 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.5 g | 258% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 257 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 3638 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 220.4 g | 80% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.5 g | ||
| Protein | 79.9 g | 160% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1178 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 957 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
