Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Pasta Salad is a great dish for any gathering. It’s easy to make, full of fresh vegetables, and has a rich and creamy dressing that everyone loves. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for dinner. Plus, it’s a tasty way to add more veggies to your meal!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad
Serve Creamy Pasta Salad cold as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light meal.
How to Store Creamy Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Before serving leftovers, you can add a little more dressing if needed.
Tips to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
- Make sure to rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down faster.
- Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, for extra crunch.
- For a flavorful twist, try adding some Italian herbs or a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.
Variation
You can switch up the dressing by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise for a healthier option. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this salad into a full meal.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Creamy Pasta Salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work great in this salad. Try penne or fusilli for a fun twist.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Print
Creamy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables, perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add more dressing to leftovers if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta salad, creamy salad, side dish, summer recipe, picnic food
