Crunchy Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Coleslaw Pasta Salad made with creamy Ranch is the perfect summer side dish. Crunchy and refreshing, can be also made ahead of time.

I love this dish because you can serve it as a main course, or side dish. It pairs well with Pan-Roasted Swordfish, Honey Citrus Salmon, and Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken. 

Coleslaw Pasta Salad

This Coleslaw Pasta Salad is one of the easiest side dishes you can make this summer. It is a hit at potlucks and barbecue parties. The salad is incredibly easy to make and is loved by adults and kids. Crunchy and creamy, refreshing and delicious, made with only a few ingredients.

I also like to cover my Coleslaw Pasta Salad in Ranch dressing and also to add crunchy cucumbers. Have you ever wondered what is the history of coleslaw? I never knew that there are so many versions in different countries.

Also, I am a huge fan of how easy this recipe is to make. For some extra flavor and color, I finished it with dill. This recipe is a huge time-saver and can be easily made ahead. Feel free to make a huge bowl so you have lots of leftovers for days to come! Next time you are having a bbq, picnic, or potluck, give this recipe a try. It is a winner!

How to make Macaroni Coleslaw?

This easy recipe is ready in no time. 

1. First, cook macaroni according to package directions. When cooked, drain and rinse in cold water.
2. Then, transfer it to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. 
3. Gently mix together, and refrigerate for at least one hour prior to serving. 

Can I make Coleslaw Pasta Salad in advance?

Absolutely! The great news is that this dish tastes even better if made ahead. The flavors need to come together and the ingredients need to be refrigerated before serving. 

Therefore, it is a win-win situation! You can make it in the morning and refrigerate to consume for dinner. Or, feel free to make it up to two days in advance, and properly store in the fridge. 

Try my other pasta dishes:

• One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Ground Beef Stroganoff
• One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

• You can add other ingredients to this recipe. For example, some great addition would be chopped celery, green peas, radish, corn, green pepper, and water chestnuts.
• Also, you can use your favorite creamy dressing in this salad. Blue Cheese dressing and Ranch are great options.
• If you want to make the salad lighter, use a yogurt-based dressing, Greek yogurt, or tzatziki sauce.
• Don’t skip the cucumbers, they add a nice crunch.
• If you make the salad ahead of time, add the cucumbers before serving, so they don’t release extra water into the salad.
• For a sweeter twist, you can add fresh corn from the cob.
• The salad tastes great garnished with dill, but you can skip it if you are not a fan.
• For more proteins, add chicken or chopped eggs to it.

Print

CRUNCHY COLESLAW PASTA SALAD

Prep Time

10 mins

 

Coleslaw Pasta Salad made with creamy Ranch is the perfect summer side dish. Crunchy and refreshing, can be also made ahead of time.

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 10 serv

Calories: 432 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 1 box 1 lb macaroni pasta
• 1 bag 16 oz coleslaw mix
• 1 sweet onion finely chopped
• 3 medium cucumbers chopped
• 2 cups Ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup dill chopped

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Make sure you drain pasta well of water.
2. Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl, add the coleslaw mix, chopped sweet onion, cucumber, dill and Ranch. Mix together.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

CRUNCHY COLESLAW PASTA SALAD

Amount Per Serving

Calories 432 Calories from Fat 225

% Daily Value*

Fat 25g38%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 541mg24%

Potassium 377mg11%

Carbohydrates 43g14%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 220IU4%

Vitamin C 23.6mg29%

Calcium 64mg6%

Iron 1.5mg8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.