This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a luxuriously smooth dressing. Perfectly balanced with tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light family meal, this recipe is both easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty. The colorful medley of fresh veggies not only makes it visually appealing but also packs a nutritious punch. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a standalone meal—it’s versatile, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, carrots, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
This Creamy Pasta Salad is the ultimate versatile dish that you can enjoy as a quick weekday meal, a vibrant side dish at a family BBQ, or even as a crowd-pleaser at your next potluck or picnic. Bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, it combines perfectly cooked pasta with crisp, crunchy vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and shredded carrots. These fresh ingredients not only make the salad visually appealing but also provide a delightful texture contrast.
The real magic, however, is in the dressing. A blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and a touch of sugar creates a luscious, creamy coating that ties all the components together. The balance of creaminess, tanginess, and subtle sweetness ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying. This dressing clings beautifully to the pasta and vegetables, making the salad a cohesive and flavorful experience.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Protein: Make it a complete meal by tossing in some cooked, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Switch Up the Veggies: You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand—zucchini, snap peas, or even roasted vegetables add a unique twist.
- Make It Healthier: Swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping the creaminess intact.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add herbs like dill or basil, or sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for a burst of umami flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This pasta salad is a great option for meal prep since it stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours before serving enhances the flavors as the dressing marinates the pasta and vegetables. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Serving Ideas
Serve this creamy pasta salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. It can also stand on its own as a light lunch or dinner. If you’re hosting a gathering, you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd.
With its refreshing taste and creamy texture, this pasta salad will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your household. It’s simple, versatile, and packed with fresh ingredients—perfect for any occasion!
Why This Creamy Pasta Salad Stands Out
This creamy pasta salad isn’t just another side dish—it’s a recipe that combines ease of preparation with bold flavors and satisfying textures. The perfect balance of creamy dressing and crunchy fresh vegetables makes it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a refreshing side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite, this salad has you covered.
Ingredient Highlights
- Pasta: Choose short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle, which hold the dressing well and offer a delightful bite.
- Vegetables: A colorful combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and shredded carrots brings both crunch and visual appeal. These veggies also add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making the salad nutritious.
- Creamy Dressing: The dressing is the heart of the dish. With mayonnaise and sour cream as the base, the addition of Dijon mustard, vinegar, and sugar enhances the flavor with tangy and slightly sweet notes. The result is a silky, flavorful dressing that clings to every piece of pasta and veggie.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This creamy pasta salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled Proteins: Chicken, steak, or fish provide a hearty main course to complement the salad’s light, creamy texture.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Add this salad to a picnic spread alongside club sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying combination.
- Barbecue Favorites: Serve it as a side dish with hot dogs, burgers, or ribs at your next backyard BBQ.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this creamy pasta salad is its versatility. Here are some easy ways to customize it to your taste:
- Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
- Include Protein: Turn it into a main dish by adding grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or diced hard-boiled eggs.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a lighter, low-carb version.
Storage Tips
This salad stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. To keep it fresh:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a spoonful of dressing or a splash of olive oil to refresh it before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients that are often already in your pantry or fridge.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy dressing and fresh vegetables appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this dish fits right in.
By including this creamy pasta salad in your meal repertoire, you’re not just making a dish—you’re creating a flavorful experience that your guests and family will remember.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. Its creamy dressing, combined with fresh, crunchy vegetables and tender pasta, makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a quick family dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable to fit your preferences, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or adapt it to suit dietary needs. With its vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and creamy texture, this pasta salad is more than just a side—it’s a star on its own. Add it to your recipe collection and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to prepare!