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!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing and sour cream. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently stir to combine everything. Ensure the macaroni is fully coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 5

Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Serve chilled. This Ranch Macaroni Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1000.3 grams (1000.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2489

Total Fat 152.40g	195%
Saturated Fat 51.50g	258%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 257mg	86%
Sodium 3638mg	158%
Total Carbohydrate 220.40g	80%
Dietary Fiber 20.40g	73%
Total Sugars 39.50g
Protein 79.90g	160%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1178mg	91%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 957mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.3%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 34.3%