Kittencal's Ranch Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

I have made this many times over the years for large gatherings, everyone loves it and I am always asked for the recipe --- the dressing is wonderful with potatoes or cooked pasta, you may of coarse double the amounts to feed more people --- all ingredients may be adjusted to suit taste, throw in some cooked ham or bacon if desired, plan ahead this salad must chill for at least 3 or more hours before serving, the longer chilling time the better! --- if making the potato salad and prefer a creamier salad then double the dressing amount

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 ½ lbs cooked cubed potatoes (or can use 3 cups cooked macaroni or small shell pasta drained)
• 1 cup frozen peas , thawed
• 1 small celery rib , finely diced
• 4 green onions , finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups finely cubed cheddar cheese
• 4 -5 hard-boiled eggs , chopped (more eggs sliced in wedges to garnish around the bowl if desired)
• ½ cup chopped sweet yum-yum pickle (optional, yum-yum pickles are sliced sweet sandwich pickles)

DRESSING

• 6 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• ¾ cup prepared ranch salad dressing
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (or use 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, or to taste) or ½ cup salad dressing (or use 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, or to taste)
• 1 ½ teaspoons prepared mustard or ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½-1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional but good to add in)
• salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste, I use seasoned salt)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked cubed potatoes or cooked pasta with peas. celery, green onions, cheddar cheese and chopped eggs; toss to combine.
2. In a small bowl, combine relish, mayo, ranch salad dressing and mustard and garlic powder (if using) mix well then add to macaroni mixture; toss to coat then season with salt and pepper.
3. Add in chopped yum yum pickles if using; mix to combine.
4. Season with more salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 3 or more hours to blend flavors (the longer chilling time the better!).
6. Delicious!

Reviews

[annlouise]

I didn't have everything to complete this recipe, but from what I did have made the best macaroni salad I've ever had in my life. Kittencal, your recipes are so reliable. Thanks!

[JOY1998]

We love this salad! I used the sour cream and macaroni options and doubled the recipe. The peas are a great addition to this salad as are the cheese and eggs. In fact, I loved the entire flavor! I added fried bacon. This is an absolutely fantastic recipe and thanks for the great options in this recipe. Such a winner!

[grampy1939]

I followed this recipe to the letter, using small pasta shells. Although I found this dish absolutely delicious, the dressing for 3 cups of cooked pasta was way too much. could be cut in half. It's a keeper for sure, though.