Bonus Ranch Recipe: Fiesta Salsa Pasta Salad @HiddenValley #FavRanchFlav #Sponsored

***Disclosure: This recipe is sponsored by DataRank and Hidden Valley. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

I know I literally JUST shared an amazing recipe using Hidden Valley Flavored Ranch Dressings, but I have another that I simply have to share. It's too good not to. I have been having a blast incorporating these flavored Ranch dressings into every meal. They add a nice, flavorful punch, making even the most ordinary of dishes absolutely extraordinary.

You see, Ranch dressing is good for SO much more than a traditional salad. It can be used in main dishes, or even in delectable summer sides, like this Fiesta Salsa Pasta Salad. This is simple, easy, and a great way to sneak veggies into your diet. Even the pickiest of eaters won't be able to resist this bright, flavorful side dish. 

The recipe is basically idiot-proof. There's no wrong way to make it, and you can add ingredients or even substitute ingredients if you don't care for something I used here. Definitely try this, though, because my family agrees that the flavor is to die for. 

All you need are a few ingredients: Rotini pasta like the Wacky Mac pictured above, some fresh produce, a can of black olives, some crisp Cilantro, and of course, Hidden Valley Light Fiesta Salsa Ranch. 

The first thing you will want to do is cook your pasta until it's al dente. Just follow the instructions on the packaging, since I know cook times and instructions can vary by brand and pasta type. Once your pasta is cooked, rinse it very well in COLD water. The colder the better, actually. Once you've done this, just set it aside. 

While the pasta is cooking, chop up those veggies. I diced my cucumber and peppers, making them small enough that my family could enjoy all of the flavors in this dish in a single bite. I sliced the Cherry Tomatoes into thin rounds, too. Also be sure to rough chop your Cilantro at this time.

Once your veggies are prepped, it's time to make the pasta salad. Just dump your veggies and Cilantro in with the chilled pasta, and give it a good stir. 

Then it's time to add the Hidden Valley Light Fiesta Salsa Ranch Dressing. I used about a cup, but feel free to add more if you like a very saucy pasta salad. 

Top with your grated cheese, and then gently stir, making sure everything is coated in creamy Ranch deliciousness. Be sure to taste it, and add salt and pepper if desired. Honestly, we didn't find this necessary, since this dish is anything but bland! 

Once it's all put together, you can serve it right away, or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to marry. I like to chill it for awhile so the diced veggies really absorb the Fiesta Salsa Ranch Dressing. Either way, it's absolutely delicious and fresh tasting. 

My entire family devoured this pasta salad and then asked for more. Even the kids, who sometimes don't want to eat their veggies, inhaled this dish. The Hidden Valley Fiesta Salsa Ranch really put this pasta salad over the top. Try it! This would be a fantastic side idea for the 4th of July! 

Fiesta Salsa Pasta Salad 

Ingredients:

• 1 package Rotini pasta. We used Wacky Mac, since it comes in a variety of colors.
• 1 Cucumber, diced.
• 2 diced Bell Peppers, any color. We used Orange and Yellow this time.
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, sliced.
• 2 tablespoons chopped, fresh Cilantro
• 1 can Sliced Black Olives
• 1 cup Hidden Valley Fiesta Salsa Ranch Dressing 
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheese (We used a Cheddar/Monterey Jack blend, but any will work!) 

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in COLD water. Set aside. 
• Chop Cucumber and Bell Peppers. I diced both into small cubes. 
• Chop Cilantro
• Slice Cherry Tomatoes into thin slices.
• Add all veggies, Cilantro, and Hidden Valley Fiesta Salsa Ranch to the cold pasta and stir well, making sure everything is combined and coated in the dressing. 
• Add cheese and stir again. 
• Refrigerate until nice and cold, then serve and enjoy! 

How do YOU incorporate Hidden Valley Ranch into your family's meals? Do you have any creative recipe ideas? I'd love to hear them!

In the meantime, please head to your local Walmart stores and grab some of these new Hidden Valley Ranch flavors. 

CLICK HERE to download a valuable $1,00 coupon good on any Hidden Valley Flavored Ranch Salad Dressing!