Kittencal's Ranch Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"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"

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 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 1⁄2 cups finely cubed cheddar cheese
• 4 -5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (more eggs sliced in wedges to garnish around the bowl if desired)
• 1⁄2 cup chopped sweet yum-yum pickle (optional, yum-yum pickles are sliced sweet sandwich pickles)

• DRESSING

• 6 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 3⁄4 cup prepared ranch salad dressing
• 3⁄4 cup mayonnaise (or use 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, or to taste) or 1/2 cup salad dressing (or use 1/4 cup each mayonnaise and sour cream, or to taste)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons prepared mustard or 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1⁄2 - 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

[Poisonesse]

As usual, if it's a KittenCal recipe, it's a definite keeper!!! I haven't tried a single recipe of hers that hasn't become an oft requested item at our family get togethers. No WAY I could go to a family outing without taking a huge bowl of KittenCal's coleslaw (the best I've ever had, and I make it! Can't beat that!) And since we love ranch dressing in this house, had to try this one as well. I used shell macaroni, and the only problem with it was that it caused me to break my diet, I ate more than was good for me! ROFL THANKS AGAIN KITTENCAL!!!

 

[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!

 

[lovemycrock]

Bland, no one really cared for it. I probably won't make it again.

 

[5hungrykids]

This was a good pasta salad. Only half of the family liked it, though. I did not use the hard boiled eggs because my kids would have definitely frowned at that and I did not use the yum yum pickle. I've never heard of these, but your description tells me what they are. It was good the first day, but the next day it was very dry. Only half of it was consumed, so I don't think I will be trying this again. Thanks anyways.