Gluten Free Ranch Pasta Salad

When I could eat gluten, I loved the Betty Crocker Suddenly Pasta Salad, so I had to come up with a gluten free alternative that would satisfy my craving. This Gluten Free Ranch Pasta Salad is the easiest pasta salad to put together, and the flavors are reminiscent of the gluten-containing version I once loved so much. 

I left out the bacon bits, but please feel free to add them in if you want that authentic flavor. Since I was making my own recipe, I decided to make it a bit healthier as well. Using red lentil pasta adds protein to this recipe, and it adds a peppery bite! But if you don’t like red lentil pasta, please use your favorite Gluten Free Pasta. No matter what pasta you use, this meal is sure please even the pickiest eaters, and I should know, because my boys are the pickiest eaters I’ve ever known! But they always go back for seconds when I serve this ranch pasta salad.

What ingredients you need to make gluten free ranch pasta salad:

1 box gluten free rotini (I use red lentil pasta often for the peppery flavor!)

½ cup Duke's mayonnaise

1 packet Hidden Valley ranch dip mix

⅓ cup frozen peas

½ cup shredded cheddar

How to make Copycat Suddenly Pasta Salad gluten free:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. Place frozen peas in microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayo and ranch dip mix, and stir until combined.
4. Add pasta and peas to mixing bowl and stir until coated with mayo and ranch mixture. 
5. Add shredded cheddar and stir to combine.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

1. You can use any pasta you’d like! We are a gluten free household so all of my recipes use gluten free ingredients.
2. You can use any mayo you like, even vegan mayo, or substitute plain Greek yogurt.
3. If using canned peas, rinse and do not microwave. I only zap the frozen peas to take the chill off.
4. Bacon bits are a great addition if you have some on hand!

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. When serving the next day, it's best to zap the pasta salad in the microwave for 30 seconds to get the mayo soft again. Otherwise, your pasta salad will be firm and flavorless.

More gluten free sides you'll enjoy:

The Best Mashed Potatoes {gluten free, vegan option}

The Best Mac n Cheese {gluten free}

Healthy Ranch Beans

Healthy Potato Salad