This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a fun and colorful dish that’s perfect for picnics or family dinners. It mixes pasta with crunchy veggies, creamy dressing, and cheese for that extra yum!
I love how quick and simple it is to make! Just boil the pasta, toss in your favorite veggies, and stir in the creamy dressing. It’s like a party in a bowl! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This pasta adds a fun look to the dish. If you can’t find rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle works great too.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base for the creamy dressing. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt or reduced-fat mayonnaise. Vegetarians might prefer using vegan mayo!
Sour cream: This adds a tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or keep it simple with more mayo.
Dijon mustard: It gives the salad a little zing. If you don’t have Dijon, regular yellow mustard will work in a pinch.
Vegetables: Red bell peppers and cucumbers add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, peas, or even shredded carrots for variety!
Cheese: Cubed mozzarella is soft and tasty, but you can use cheddar or feta cheese for a change. Just remember, feta is saltier, so adjust your seasoning!
How Do You Make the Dressing Smooth and Creamy?
Mixing the dressing just right is key! Begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure the ingredients blend until completely smooth to avoid any lumps.
- Start with room temperature ingredients for the best mix.
- Gradually add a splash of water or milk if the dressing feels too thick.
Once the dressing is ready, toss it with the cooled pasta to ensure everything is coated evenly. This step makes a big difference in flavor!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced cucumber (peeled if desired)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami strips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Total time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the best flavors to meld together!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and rinse with cold water. This will help cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Set it aside to ensure it’s cool for the salad.
2. Mix the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything together until it becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Now, add the cooled pasta into the bowl with your creamy dressing. Gently toss the pasta so it’s well-coated in the dressing.
4. Fold in the Veggies and Meats:
Add in the diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, cubed mozzarella cheese, and the sliced pepperoni or salami. Mix gently so you keep the pasta intact while ensuring even distribution of all the delicious ingredients.
5. Add Fresh Herbs:
Now it’s time to brighten things up! Add the chopped fresh basil or parsley to the bowl. Mix gently again to incorporate the herbs throughout the salad.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, take a moment to taste your salad. You can adjust the flavor with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar if you like a bit more zing!
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dish it out, and feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or extra herbs if desired.
Enjoy this colorful, creamy pasta salad as a refreshing side or a light main dish! Perfect for gatherings and summer days!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While tri-color rotini adds visual appeal, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shell pasta. Just ensure to cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight can enhance the flavors. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the ingredients!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary preferences, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt. If you prefer a creamier texture, a combination of yogurt and a bit of olive oil works well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to give it a quick stir before serving again. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a splash of vinegar or a bit more mayo to freshen it up!
