Creamy Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or family meals. With a rich, tangy dressing and a mix of fresh, crunchy vegetables, it’s a deliciously satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or family meals. With a rich, tangy dressing and a mix of fresh, crunchy vegetables, it’s a deliciously satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Celery, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Cheddar cheese, cubed
• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, bell pepper, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to combine.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate.
• Reheating: Best served cold, but can be brought to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni holds the dressing well.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangier, lighter dressing.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook it al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding peas, carrots, or corn for extra crunch and flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent the salad from drying out?

If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a little extra mayo or sour cream before serving.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing gives the best fresh flavor.

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I make this a meal instead of a side dish?

Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.

How do I make this salad vegan?

Use dairy-free mayo and cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Creamy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with fresh flavors. Whether for a picnic, barbecue, or a quick weekday meal, this salad is a delicious and versatile option. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing, creamy side dish!
Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Celery, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Cheddar cheese, cubed
• Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, bell pepper, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to combine.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate.
• Reheating: Best served cold, but can be brought to room temperature before serving.

this Recipe

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni holds the dressing well.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a tangier, lighter dressing.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook it al dente and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding peas, carrots, or corn for extra crunch and flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent the salad from drying out?

If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a little extra mayo or sour cream before serving.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing gives the best fresh flavor.

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I make this a meal instead of a side dish?

Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.

How do I make this salad vegan?

Use dairy-free mayo and cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Creamy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with fresh flavors. Whether for a picnic, barbecue, or a quick weekday meal, this salad is a delicious and versatile option. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing, creamy side dish!

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