This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a fun mix of tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a smooth, tasty dressing. Perfect for picnics and barbecues!
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a dish that’s colorful and creamy. Plus, it comes together in no time—my kind of meal prep!😄 Just cook, mix, and chill for a delicious side.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color Rotini Pasta: This fun, twisty pasta adds color and texture. If you don’t have rotini, you can use any pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Mayonnaise: For creaminess, I like regular mayonnaise. If you prefer a lighter option, try Greek yogurt for a similar texture. Vegan mayo is a great substitute for a dairy-free version.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess. You can swap it for plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its mild flavor. Feta or cheddar is also delicious, so feel free to mix it up!
Pepperoni or Salami: These meats give a nice savory taste. You can use turkey pepperoni or even omit them for a vegetarian option. Diced chicken or ham is great too.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Well-Combined and Flavorful?
Mixing the salad well is essential for the best flavor. Here are some tips:
- After cooking the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps it firm and helps it mix better with the dressing.
- When adding ingredients to the dressing, fold gently to avoid breaking the pasta shapes.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour; cooling helps the flavors blend better.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Sometimes a little more salt or pepper does wonders!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami strips
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Total time is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, cook the tri-color rotini pasta following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Drain it well to make sure there’s no excess water.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is what gives the pasta salad its rich flavor!
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss gently to coat all the pasta pieces evenly. It’s important to be gentle here to help keep the pasta intact.
4. Add the Mix-Ins:
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients! Stir in the cubed mozzarella, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, sliced pepperoni or salami, chopped green onions, and fresh basil. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chill time helps all those delicious flavors meld together and makes the pasta salad even tastier!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also garnish with extra chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve the salad cold, and enjoy it as a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals. Yum!
This creamy pasta salad is colorful, flavorful, and absolutely delightful. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tri-color rotini adds a nice visual appeal, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your salad.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving since the dressing may thicken a bit when chilled.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the salad as instructed and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen and become even more delicious!
Is This Salad Vegetarian-Friendly?
It can be! Simply omit the sliced pepperoni or salami, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian pasta salad. Feel free to add extra veggies or legumes for added protein!
