This creamy pasta salad is a wonderful mix of cooked pasta, fresh veggies, and a smooth dressing that pulls it all together. It’s perfect for picnics or a simple lunch!
What’s great is how you can add your favorite ingredients, from crunchy bell peppers to sweet peas. It’s fun to customize, and I always make extra for leftovers—because who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is perfect for holding onto the dressing and veggies, but feel free to swap it with penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of freshness. If you’re out of cherry tomatoes, any grape tomatoes or even chopped regular tomatoes will work. Just make sure they’re ripe!
Bell Peppers: Mixed colors add visual appeal. If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding diced carrots or cucumbers instead for a different crunch.
Olives: Black olives are great for saltiness, but you could substitute green olives or even capers if that’s what you have on hand.
Ham or Salami: These are optional, but they give a nice meaty flavor. You can leave them out altogether for a vegetarian version or use chickpeas as a protein alternative.
Cheese: Mozzarella is soft and creamy, but feel free to use cheddar, feta, or whatever cheese you prefer. Just keep the texture in mind!
Dressing: Mayonnaise and sour cream create a tangy base, but Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream, offering a healthier option with a similar taste.
How Do You Get Your Pasta Just Right?
Cooking pasta seems simple, but getting it just right is essential! Here’s a quick guide to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente:
- Start with a large pot of salted boiling water; this adds flavor.
- Cook according to the package instructions. Start checking 1-2 minutes early to catch the ideal texture.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it with water as it washes away the starch that helps the dressing stick.
- Instead, run it under cool water briefly to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
This technique helps keep your pasta salad fresh and delicious! Enjoy making your creamy pasta salad!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any preferred pasta shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cooked ham or salami, diced (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or cheese of choice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional herbs (such as parsley or oregano) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an extra 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a delicious side for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly. Then, set it aside to let it finish cooling.
2. Combine the Vegetables and Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, cucumbers, black olives, optional cooked ham or salami, mozzarella cheese, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy dressing is what makes the salad delicious!
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well coated. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you think it needs it. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your creamy pasta salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. For a nice touch, garnish with your favorite fresh herbs, like parsley or oregano. Enjoy your refreshing and creamy pasta salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times.
What Substitutes Can I Use for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo alternative. For a lighter version, consider sour cream alone or a mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt for creaminess without the full mayo flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Leftover creamy pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle or separate.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. You can add things like spinach, arugula, or even shredded carrots. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even mixing!
