Creamy Pasta Salad

by

Creamy Pasta Salad 🥗🍝

A Cool, Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish

This Creamy Pasta Salad is the ultimate comfort side dish, loaded with tender rotini pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and red onions, all tossed in a rich, tangy homemade dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or family dinners. The creamy dressing coats every bite, while the fresh vegetables add delicious crunch and vibrant flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

For the Salad

  • 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
  3. While the pasta cools, wash and prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the cucumber, dicing the bell pepper, and finely chopping the red onion and parsley.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
  8. Garnish with extra parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, or grated Parmesan cheese before serving if desired.

Recipe Notes 

  • Rinsing the pasta keeps it from sticking together and cools it quickly.
  • English cucumbers are ideal because they contain fewer seeds and stay crisp longer.
  • Fresh herbs give the salad a brighter, fresher flavor.
  • If making ahead, reserve a little dressing to stir in before serving, as the pasta absorbs some of the dressing while chilling.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad 

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
  • Chill the salad for at least one hour for the best flavor.
  • Add diced cheddar, mozzarella pearls, or crumbled feta for extra richness.
  • Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, ham, or shrimp can turn this into a complete meal.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Stir well before serving and add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if the salad becomes dry.
  • Freezing is not recommended, as the dressing and vegetables lose their texture after thawing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 330
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 320mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Health Benefits 

  • Pasta provides carbohydrates for long-lasting energy.
  • Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories.
  • Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
  • Bell peppers provide vitamins A and C, supporting immune health.
  • Greek yogurt (if used) adds protein and probiotics for digestive health.
  • Fresh parsley contributes antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I make this salad a day ahead?

Yes! It tastes even better after chilling overnight. Stir before serving and refresh with a little extra dressing if needed.

What other vegetables can I add?

Broccoli florets, peas, shredded carrots, celery, olives, corn, or avocado are excellent additions.

Can I make it healthier?

Absolutely. Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

What protein goes well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, diced ham, tuna, or chickpeas make it a satisfying main dish.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What should I serve with creamy pasta salad?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue ribs, steak, baked fish, sandwiches, or roasted vegetables.

Leave a Comment