If you are craving something creamy and refreshing, this recipe is a winner.
This Creamy Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish for warm days.
It is fast, simple, and always a crowd favorite.
You will find yourself making this on repeat all season long.
Why You Will Make This Creamy Pasta Salad Again
You will love how fast this recipe comes together for you.
It is the perfect summer side dish for any gathering.
The crisp vegetables add a great crunch to every single bite.
It is a reliable recipe that never fails to impress guests.
You can easily double the recipe for a large crowd.
It is budget-friendly and uses very simple pantry ingredients.
How This Creamy Pasta Salad Comes Together
Making this salad is a total breeze for any home cook.
You simply boil the pasta and whisk the dressing ingredients together.
Toss everything together and let the fridge do the hard work.
It is a stress-free meal prep option for busy weeks.
No fancy equipment or professional skills are required for this dish.
What You Will Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients from your local grocery store.
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Directions
- Cook the rotini in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until it is fully cooled.
- Whisk the mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and spices until smooth.
- Incorporate the diced peppers, cucumber, onion, celery, and tomatoes into the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for two hours before you serve the salad.
How To Serve Your Creamy Pasta Salad
This salad belongs at your next backyard BBQ or family party.
It pairs perfectly with grilled burgers or juicy hot dogs.
Try serving it in a large glass bowl for your guests.
It is a crowd-pleasing side that disappears very fast at potlucks.
It is also great for a quick and easy weekday lunch.
Leftovers and Storage
Keep your salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay delicious for up to four days total.
Give it a quick stir before you serve it again.
This makes it a great make-ahead meal for your busy family.
Always keep it cold for the best taste and food safety.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip the rinsing step for the cooked pasta.
- Dice your veggies small for better bites in every spoonful.
- Let the salad chill for at least two hours before eating.
- Use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best creamy texture.
- A splash of milk can thin out a thick dressing easily.
- Use a colorful mix of peppers for a beautiful presentation.
- Bring this to your next summer potluck for a guaranteed hit.
- Use a timer for the pasta to ensure it is al dente.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Add grilled chicken or ham for a boost of protein.
- Use gluten-free rotini for your friends with dietary needs.
- Stir in some fresh peas or corn for extra color.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste.
Quick Questions
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together perfectly. Just give it a good stir before you serve it.
Can I swap mayonnaise for something else?
You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The taste will be tangier but still very creamy. You could also use a vegan mayo substitute if needed.
What is the best pasta shape for this?
Rotini is great because the spirals hold the dressing well. Penne or bowties also work very well in this recipe. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti for this specific salad.
I hope you love this simple summer side dish. It is a staple in my kitchen all season long. Give it a try and see for yourself today!
— Ethan
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until fully cooled to prevent sticking and stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Incorporate the diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced red onion, sliced celery, and halved cherry tomatoes into the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving to allow the dressing to set and flavors to develop.
