When you need a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s both refreshing and wonderfully satisfying, nothing beats this Creamy Pasta Salad. It perfectly balances tender rotini, crisp veggies, and tangy, luscious dressing in every forkful. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a weeknight family dinner, or a festive potluck, this vibrant side dish always steals the show with its cheerful colors and irresistible flavor. Even those who claim not to love pasta salad will pile their plate high when this one appears on the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Pasta Salad comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, each one bringing its own delicious personality. From crisp garden veggies to a bold, tangy dressing, every addition plays a starring role in creating maximum flavor and the signature creamy texture we all crave.
- Rotini Pasta (12 oz): The twirls of rotini are perfect for catching the flavorful dressing and bits of veggies in every bite.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Classic mayo creates that ultra-smooth, rich base for the creamy dressing.
- Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds a velvety tang that lightens up the dressing just enough.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a gentle acidity to balance the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers a subtle heat and depth that wakes up the whole salad.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a savory kick without overpowering the fresh veggies.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the classic tastes together.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little touch of pepper lifts the whole salad with warmth.
- Cherry Tomatoes, halved (1½ cups): Juicy, vibrant bursts of color and flavor—don’t skip them!
- Cucumber, diced (1 cup): Adds a cooling crunch that’s so welcome in every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper, diced (¾ cup): Sweet and crisp, with a pop of color.
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded (½ cup): Brings a creamy, sharp richness that melts into the dressing.
- Red Onion, chopped (¼ cup): For just a bit of bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): A sprinkle of freshness and color for the finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your rotini pasta according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water. This cooling step is key for a creamy pasta salad that stays crisp and refreshing—no soggy noodles here.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a large salad bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Don’t be shy—a good whisk ensures every bite is filled with flavor.
Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies and Cheese
Toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, and fresh parsley. Each vegetable adds crunch and color, and the cheese gives it that extra layer of richness that makes this salad hard to resist.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the creamy dressing and veggies. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the veggies are evenly distributed. Go easy to keep everything looking pretty and the pasta intact.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your creamy pasta salad for at least 30 minutes—if you have the patience! This rest gives all the flavors a chance to develop and meld beautifully, making the salad even better.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra chopped parsley, a little more shredded cheddar, or thinly sliced green onion over your creamy pasta salad is a sure way to make it pop with color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I even add a dusting of paprika for a hint of smokiness and a pretty finish.
Side Dishes
This salad is a true team player, fitting in perfectly alongside grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, or classic sandwiches. Pair it with corn on the cob, watermelon wedges, or a crisp green salad for a bright, summery spread that always satisfies.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just serve creamy pasta salad in a boring bowl—try scooping it into individual mason jars or colorful cups for picnics or potlucks. You can even use bell pepper halves as edible bowls for a fun and festive presentation that guests will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy pasta salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days sealed in an airtight container. I like to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, which sometimes settles at the bottom.
Freezing
While you can freeze some pasta salads, this creamy version tends to lose its appealing texture after thawing. The mayo-based dressing may separate and the veggies can become watery, so I recommend enjoying it fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating required (and honestly, best avoided)! This pasta salad is always at its best served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you want to restore a creamy consistency after chilling, just stir in a tablespoon or two of mayo or sour cream before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While rotini is my favorite for holding onto the dressing, penne, farfalle, shells, or fusilli all work great in creamy pasta salad. Just be sure to choose a shape that won’t get mushy with dressing.
How can I add more protein?
For a heartier meal, stir in diced ham, cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas. It’s perfect for turning this side dish into a complete lunch.
Is there a way to make this Creamy Pasta Salad lighter?
Of course! Swap in light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in place of the mayo and sour cream, and add plenty of extra veggies. The end result will still be wonderfully creamy and just as flavorful.
Does this salad taste better the next day?
Definitely—it’s one of those magical dishes where the flavors really marry overnight. Just let it sit out for a few minutes and give it a good stir before eating to refresh the texture.
Is Creamy Pasta Salad gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use your favorite gluten-free rotini and double-check all other ingredients for hidden sources of gluten. The creamy dressing and veggies are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta Salad really is a champion of potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings for good reason: it’s easy, colorful, and undeniably delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy at your own table—one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s such a year-round favorite!
Print
Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful summer side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple family meal. This easy-to-make pasta salad is creamy, flavorful, and packed with colorful vegetables and cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ¾ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, cheddar cheese, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to combine until coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- Feel free to swap rotini with any short pasta like penne or shells.
- You can add diced ham or cooked bacon for extra protein.
- Best served chilled.
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