Description
This creamy pasta salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect as a side or light meal. Ready in under 20 minutes, it combines tender pasta, fresh crisp vegetables, and a luscious creamy dressing for a satisfying, versatile, and kid-friendly recipe that’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or weekday lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups rotini or shell pasta
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar or mozzarella cheese cubes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, a splash of vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Chop and Add Veggies: Dice the bell peppers, celery, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces, then fold them gently into the creamy dressing.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing and vegetables. Add cheese cubes and mix everything until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use cold pasta by thoroughly rinsing it with cold water to keep the salad refreshing and prevent sticking.
- Don’t overdress the salad; start with less dressing and add more if needed to avoid a soggy texture.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavor and texture.
- Mix gently to keep vegetables crisp and avoid breaking the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, quick pasta salad, easy side dish, picnic recipe, barbecue side, kid-friendly pasta salad, make-ahead pasta salad
