This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty dish, perfect for any gathering! With colorful veggies, smooth dressing, and al dente pasta, it’s a winner.
Honestly, it’s so simple to throw together! Just mix your favorite pasta with a creamy sauce and crunchy veggies, and you’re all set. I love serving it cold on hot days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Tri-color rotini gives a fun look, but any pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works too. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta for added protein.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half or all of the sour cream. You can also use vegan mayonnaise if you prefer a plant-based option.
Vinegar: White vinegar adds tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be nice alternatives, giving a slight twist in flavor!
Vegetables: I love adding red bell pepper for crunch, but feel free to mix in other veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or peas for extra freshness.
Cheese: Mozzarella lends a creamy texture. Feta cheese is another great option for a sharper flavor, or you can simply leave it out for a dairy-free salad.
Meats: Pepperoni gives a great kick, but you can swap it with diced ham, turkey, or even omit it for a vegetarian salad.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking pasta just right is key! Follow these steps to avoid mushy pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to the package for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard when bitten.
- To stop the cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This helps cool it down quickly and prevent sticking.
Let it cool completely before mixing it with the sauce and veggies to keep everything fresh and delicious!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or small mozzarella balls)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni or salami strips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. This makes it perfect for prep-ahead lunches or potlucks, allowing all those lovely flavors to mix together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked but still firm when you bite into it. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it off and stop the cooking process. Set it aside to let it chill completely.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the dressing that coats your pasta and veggies!
3. Combine the Pasta and Dressing:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Gently stir the pasta with a spatula or spoon to ensure that all the pasta pieces are evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Mix in the Veggies and Meat:
Next, fold in the diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, diced mozzarella cheese, and sliced pepperoni or salami strips. This is where the salad gets vibrant, colorful, and full of flavor!
5. Add Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil and give everything a gentle stir to combine. The basil will add a lovely fresh taste to your salad.
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to taste your salad! If you feel it needs a bit more flavor, add a touch more salt or pepper according to your preference.
7. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pasta salad chill for at least 1 hour. This allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to mix everything up again. If you’d like, you can garnish it with additional fresh basil, chopped green onions, or parsley and add a sprinkle of black pepper for that extra touch. Your creamy, flavorful, and colorful pasta salad is ready to serve as a delightful side dish or a light meal!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Creamy Pasta Salad!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tri-color rotini with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving to refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the pepperoni or salami, and consider adding more vegetables or even some chickpeas for protein. You can also sprinkle in some toasted nuts for extra crunch!
Is It Necessary to Chill the Salad?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to chill the pasta salad for at least an hour. This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and lets the flavors meld beautifully, but if you’re in a hurry, you can serve it right away!
