This Creamy Ranch Bowtie Pasta Salad is an easy summer side dish for your barbecue or cookout, or an easy dinner idea! The leftovers make a great cold lunch for school or work, and it keeps well in the fridge. Loaded with your favorite summer veggies and a creamy ranch dressing!
In a large pot of boiled, salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain.
To cool pasta quickly, pour into a large colander and run under cold water. Pour cooled pasta into a large bowl.
Stir together the ranch dressing, mayonnaise, oil, salt and pepper and pour over pasta. Add ham, cucumbers, broccoli, cheese, and tomato and stir just to combine.
Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2-3 hours. Serve cold.
Notes
The oil is optional, and is only used to thin the dressing. You can also use water to thin as desired, or leave it on the thicker side.