Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste. This creamy version combines perfectly cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing to create a flavorful and refreshing salad. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties work best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl (for dressing)
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs or large spoon
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, shredded cheese, and any optional ingredients like black olives or bacon to the bowl with the pasta.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a finishing touch.
Tips
Pasta choice: Use pasta shapes with grooves or twists to hold onto the dressing better.
Add protein: Include diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for a heartier salad.
Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Dressing variations: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or add a splash of hot sauce for extra zing.
This creamy pasta salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Its creamy dressing ties everything together, making it a versatile dish for any meal or gathering. Try this recipe, and let it become your go-to salad for every occasion!
Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl (for dressing)
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs or large spoon
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 3 cups cooked pasta rotini, penne, or bowties work best
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup bell peppers any color, diced
- ½ cup red onion finely sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup black olives sliced (optional)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon optional
- For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, shredded cheese, and any optional ingredients like black olives or bacon to the bowl with the pasta.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a finishing touch.
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