Best 9 Ranch Macaroni Salad For Kids Recipes

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**Ranch Macaroni Salad: A Delightful Treat for Kids and Adults Alike**

Cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this ranch macaroni salad is a surefire hit among kids and adults alike. It's the perfect side dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. With its classic combination of macaroni, mayonnaise, celery, onion, bell pepper, and carrots, this salad is a nostalgic favorite that never fails to please. The creamy ranch dressing adds a tangy, savory flavor that elevates the simple ingredients to new heights. And with the option to add additional mix-ins like bacon, cheese, or hard-boiled eggs, you can easily customize this salad to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of classic macaroni salad or looking for a new twist on an old favorite, this ranch macaroni salad is sure to become a staple in your summer recipe collection.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BACON RANCH MACARONI SALAD



Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad image

Macaroni salad can sometimes be a little boring. So one day I just started adding extra ingredients and this is what I came up with. The whole family love's it! This recipe is even better if served the next day so that all of the flavors are well-incorporated. Enjoy!

Provided by ReneeW.

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 4h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

6 slices bacon
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
½ small red onion, diced very small
½ small green bell pepper, diced very small
1 (1 ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix
1 (8 ounce) package Cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes; drain on a plate lined with paper towels until cool. Crumble the bacon.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.
  • Rinse macaroni with cold water until cool; drain.
  • Mix cooled macaroni, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, red onion, green bell pepper, ranch salad dressing mix, and Cheddar cheese together in a large bowl.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.1 calories, Carbohydrate 47.5 g, Cholesterol 47.4 mg, Fat 35.3 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 18.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.4 g, Sodium 735.6 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

CREAMY RANCH PASTA SALAD



Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad image

This creamy ranch pasta salad is tossed with my delicious homemade ranch dressing. It's cool, creamy, and full of herby goodness.

Provided by Natalie

Categories     Side Dish

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
2 medium diced carrots (peeled and finely chopped, about 3/4 cup)
2 celery stalks (finely chopped, about 3/4 cup)
1/4 red onion (finely chopped, about 1/4 cup)
1 cup frozen peas
2 packets Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix
1-1/2 cups plain greek yogurt
1 cup milk

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, make the ranch dressing by combining the ranch seasoning mix, greek yogurt and milk. Whisk to combine. Place the mixing bowl in the fridge while you make the rest of the pasta salad.
  • Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and add to the large mixing bowl with the ranch dressing while the pasta is still warm. Add in the carrots, celery, onion and frozen peas. Toss to combine. It will look a little too saucy at first, but the warm noodles will absorb some of the dressing. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until it is cooled. After it has cooled, toss it a few more times to evenly distribute the dressing. If needed, add in a little more greek yogurt and milk if the noodles absorbed too much of the dressing.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature. Will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 1 week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 kcal, Fat 2.4 g, Carbohydrate 34.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 8.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

RANCH PASTA SALAD



Ranch Pasta Salad image

If you love the flavor of creamy ranch dressing, then this pasta salad recipe is for you. It has the perfect ratio of pasta and dressing. Cucumber and tomato lighten up the salad and add some crunch. Ham and cheese not only provide flavor but make the pasta salad heartier. You can almost eat this as a meal. It will be perfect for...

Provided by Dawn Whitted

Categories     Salads

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 c pasta, large shells or spiral work well
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Ranch dressing mix (envelope)
1 1/2 c Colby jack cheese, diced (or any block cheese)
1 large cucumber, peeled
1 c grape tomatoes, halved
1 c ham, diced (optional)
1 c mayonnaise
1 c buttermilk

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare pasta noodles al dente according to package directions.
  • 2. Strain and cool.
  • 3. In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing envelope according to the package directions adding mayo & buttermilk.
  • 4. I thin it out with a couple additional tablespoons of buttermilk or milk if needed.
  • 5. Add cubed cheese, cucumber, tomato halves, and optional ham to the pasta.
  • 6. Add dressing.
  • 7. Combine well.
  • 8. Refrigerate for an hour or more. If the noodles soak up most of the dressing, you may add a bit of milk to loosen it up or just a squirt or two of bottled dressing.

RANCH MACARONI SALAD FOR KIDS



Ranch Macaroni Salad for Kids image

An easy to make macaroni salad that your kids will eat! The key is to mince the veggies so they don't even know they are there. Of course, if your kids like their vegetables, double the dressing and go ahead and throw in some blanched broccoli.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Cheese

Time 27m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups uncooked small shell pasta, about 4 oz
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters (about 4 oz)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, small dice
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoon buttermilk or 1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon green onion, minced fine
1 teaspoon celery, minced fine
1 teaspoon red radish, minced fine
1 teaspoon onion, grated
1/2 teaspoon garlic, grated
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, about 5 to 7 minutes, until barely al dente.
  • Drain well and put into a medium bowl.
  • Pour vinegar over pasta and stir to combine.
  • Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes until vinegar is absorbed and pasta has cooled.
  • Add pepperoni and cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
  • In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, yogurt, buttermilk, green onion, celery, radish, and onion, and garlic.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour over pasta mixture and gently stir to combine.

CREAMY RANCH PASTA SALAD



Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad image

Maybe you bought some celery for snacking, or maybe you're cooking with it. Either way, don't toss those tender celery leaves. Instead, reserve them and make this creamy pasta salad. Ranch dressing, carrots and celery are natural dance partners-and that's why we combined them in a singularly tasty salad. It starts with a simple homemade dressing, which beats store-bought every day.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 ounces fusilli pasta
3/4 cup finely chopped carrot (from about 1 large carrot)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, plus more for serving
3 tablespoons finely chopped celery leaves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 clove garlic, grated
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 1 ounce)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to cool completely; drain it well again.
  • Meanwhile, reserve 2 tablespoons of the carrot for garnish. Put the remaining carrot in a large bowl and whisk in the mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, celery leaves, lemon juice, Worcestershire, onion powder, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until combined. The dressing can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day.
  • Add the pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. To serve, top it with the Parmesan, reserved carrots and additional chives and season with pepper.

KID-FRIENDLY PASTA SALAD



Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 ounces fun-shaped pasta, such as radiatore
8 slices thin bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash sugar, optional
10 ounces grape tomatoes (yellow and red), halved lengthwise
1/2 pound Cheddar, cut into small cubes
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Ground black pepper
24 whole basil leaves, chiffonade

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Then drain and rinse in cold water until cool. Set aside.
  • Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and throw into a large skillet. Saute until slightly crisp, and then remove to a paper-towel-lined-plate.
  • For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt, and sugar if using in a small bowl.
  • Stir together the pasta, dressing, tomatoes, bacon, Cheddar and green onions in a large mixing bowl. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Stir in the basil at the end.

KITTENCAL'S RANCH POTATO SALAD OR MACARONI SALAD



Kittencal's Ranch Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad image

I have made this many times over the years for large gatherings, everyone loves it and I am always asked for the recipe --- the dressing is wonderful with potatoes or cooked pasta, you may of coarse double the amounts to feed more people --- all ingredients may be adjusted to suit taste, throw in some cooked ham or bacon if desired, plan ahead this salad must chill for at least 3 or more hours before serving, the longer chilling time the better! --- if making the potato salad and prefer a creamier salad then double the dressing amount

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Potato

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/2 lbs cooked cubed potatoes (or can use 3 cups cooked macaroni or small shell pasta drained)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 small celery rib, finely diced
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups finely cubed cheddar cheese
4 -5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (more eggs sliced in wedges to garnish around the bowl if desired)
1/2 cup chopped sweet yum-yum pickle (optional, yum-yum pickles are sliced sweet sandwich pickles)
6 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
3/4 cup prepared ranch salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise (or use 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, or to taste) or 1/2 cup salad dressing (or use 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, or to taste)
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard or 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but good to add in)
salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste, I use seasoned salt)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked cubed potatoes or cooked pasta with peas. celery, green onions, cheddar cheese and chopped eggs; toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl, combine relish, mayo, ranch salad dressing and mustard and garlic powder (if using) mix well then add to macaroni mixture; toss to coat then season with salt and pepper.
  • Add in chopped yum yum pickles if using; mix to combine.
  • Season with more salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 3 or more hours to blend flavors (the longer chilling time the better!).
  • Delicious!

SIMPLE RANCH CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD



Simple Ranch Chicken Macaroni Salad image

This is a simple to make recipe with Ranch dressing mix which gives it an extra kick.

Provided by Pamela Batovsky

Categories     Salad     Pasta Salad     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 (2.25 ounce) can chopped green olives
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 (10 ounce) can chicken chunks, drained
1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix
2 teaspoons paprika

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, and pat dry.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the celery, olives, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, chicken and Ranch dressing mix. Stir in macaroni until well blended. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Stir, and sprinkle paprika over the top before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26.3 g, Cholesterol 55.6 mg, Fat 22.4 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 20.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 1318 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

BACON RANCH MACARONI SALAD



Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad image

Make and share this Bacon Ranch Macaroni Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Fresh Churned Butter

Categories     Penne

Time 23m

Yield 3 1/2 4 cups, 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (12 ounce) box noodles, cooked and chilled
5 -7 slices bacon (I use turkey)
1/2 cup peas, canned, or frozen (if using frozen, boil & cool before adding)
1/2 cup carrot, shredded
1 ranch dressing mix
3/4-1 1/4 cup Miracle Whip light (sufficient to coat)

Steps:

  • Cut bacon into small bits and fry until very crispy. Drain and let cool.
  • Shred carrots, and mix with peas, noodles, and bacon in a large bowl.
  • Cover with the Miracle Whip.
  • Mix in Ranch packet.
  • Best if chilled overnight.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Look for fresh vegetables, crisp pasta, and a flavorful dressing.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
  • Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Serve the salad with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Ranch macaroni salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy, tangy dressing and colorful vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy side dish, give ranch macaroni salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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