Warm weather is our cue to mix up a chilled batch of refreshing pasta salad, especially when it’s packed with probiotics and protein found in Lifeway Kefir. This Creamy Kefir Ranch Pasta Salad is the perfect choice since it’s made with plain Lifeway Kefir, the magical vessel of flavor for savory recipes like this one where you want a healthier upgrade to store-bought dressings without sacrificing flavor. Our kefir can be mixed with any of your favorite salad spices and pasta seasonings to be used the same way as buttermilk for the most delicious dressings any pasta salad recipe can dream up!
Lifeway Kefir is rich in live and active probiotic cultures to aid in the digestion of your meal as well as support your overall gut health and sense of well-being. Plus, our kefir is a complete source of protein so it keeps you full and satisfied after every fork-full of your favorite pasta. We added some of our favorite fresh veggies to the mix along with seasonal herbs that enliven the recipe and work perfectly with our plain kefir to create an excellent spring-worthy pasta salad.
For the seasoning, we chose a classic ranch option, and for the pasta shape, we opted for macaroni, however, you can make this recipe your own by choosing your favorite pasta shape and adding/swapping some of the spices out. We’d recommend choosing a small-shaped pasta like fusilli, elbow, rotini, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) since those hold the dressing best and the textures of those pasta varieties don’t interfere with the other ingredients.
Want an instant upgrade? Add a few dollops of Farmer Cheese into the pasta salad before you set it in the fridge. Our Farmer Cheese boosts this dish with more protein and helps add an even richer texture without all the salt and preservatives found in store-bought sauces and dressings.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prep Time: 30 mins + time to set in the fridge (4-6 hours is best) Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small pasta (elbow, macaroni, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
- 1 cup Lowfat Plain Kefir
- 1/4 cup mayo of choice
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning powder - or your favorite dry dressing seasoning (we like Simply Organic brand)
- 1 1/2 diced seedless cucumbers (English cucumbers)
- 1/2 diced red onion (or finely sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or whole
- 1/8 cup fresh dill, diced
- 1/8 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, diced
- 1/8 cup freshly chopped chives
- juice of a lemon
- fresh black pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta as it says on the box, then let it cool completely (place in the fridge to cool) -- at least 30 minutes. You can speed this up by doing this ahead of time.
- Once the pasta is nice and cold, add it to a large bowl and mix it up with all the rest of the ingredients. Toss well to coat.
- Feel free to add whatever other chopped veggies you want or seasonings you like.
- Set it in the fridge at least 4-6 hours to let the flavors marry together the best. Even better? Make this the night before and let it set overnight for an even more intense flavor that really hits home.
- Want to give this recipe an upgrade? Add a few dollops of Lifeway Farmer Cheese into the mix before you set it in the fridge, which packs in more protein and helps add an even richer texture.
