This creamy pasta salad is a delightful mix of tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a simple dressing that brings it all together. It’s perfect for summer picnics or potlucks!
Making it is a breeze! I love how I can whip this up in no time and have it ready for lunch. Plus, it’s always a hit with friends and family—who can resist creamy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini for its shape, which holds the dressing well. However, if you can’t find rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work perfectly, too. Just remember to cook until al dente for the best texture!
Mayonnaise: This is essential for creaminess. If you want a lighter version, substitute with Greek yogurt. It also adds a bit of tang. Some people enjoy mixing half of each!
Sour Cream: You can easily swap this for extra Greek yogurt if you’re keeping it lighter or if you want to avoid dairy altogether, try using a plant-based sour cream or yogurt.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies you love! Bell peppers, peas, or even broccoli can add color and crunch. If you don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or dill, dried ones do the trick as well.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Dressing?
The dressing is key to this pasta salad. To enhance its flavor, here’s what you can do:
- Start by whisking the mayonnaise and sour cream together; this gives a rich base.
- Add the vinegar and Dijon mustard—this gives the dressing some nice acidity.
- Include a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. It will surprise you how much it helps!
- Season generously with salt and pepper, as this really brings all the flavors to life.
Remember to taste the dressing before adding to the salad—adjust as needed! A little extra vinegar can brighten it up if it feels heavy.
Creamy Pasta Salad with Easy Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups rotini or other short pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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 shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus an additional hour to chill in the refrigerator. In just a bit over an hour, you can have a delicious pasta salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Cook the rotini (or your pasta of choice) according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until it’s no longer warm. This will help stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar. Whisk them together until everything is mixed well and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning if you like!
3. Mixing in the Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheese if you’re using it. Mix gently until combined.
4. Combining Everything:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
5. Adding Fresh Herbs:
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
6. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
7. Serving:
Once chilled, give the salad a good stir before serving. Scoop it into bowls or onto plates, and enjoy your creamy pasta salad chilled!
FAQ for Creamy Pasta Salad with Easy Dressing
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will reduce the calorie count while still keeping it creamy. You can also omit the cheese for a lighter option.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad is perfect for making in advance. Just prepare it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier! Just give it a quick stir before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta salad feels dry after refrigerating, you can mix in a little bit of mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh it before serving.
