This creamy pasta salad is a tasty mix of tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a rich, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks and always gets a thumbs up!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just boil the pasta, chop some veggies, and mix it all together. It’s a delightful dish that brightens up any meal. Enjoy a big scoop—you know you want to! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like using tricolor rotini because it adds color to the dish. However, any short pasta like fusilli or penne works well too. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta varieties.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness. If you don’t have them, diced regular tomatoes or grape tomatoes can work too, but make sure to remove excess juice to avoid sogginess.
Cucumber: They provide a refreshing crunch. If cucumbers aren’t your thing, consider using zucchini or bell peppers for a different texture.
Bell Pepper: Red or yellow peppers add color and sweetness. Green peppers can be used for a sharper taste, or you can skip them for a simpler salad.
Salami or Pepperoni: I love the flavor these meats add, but you can substitute with diced cooked chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Cheese: Mozzarella brings a creamy texture. Feel free to swap it with feta for a tangy twist, or omit if dairy-free.
Mayonnaise: This is the base of your dressing. If you’d like a lighter version, you could increase the Greek yogurt or use avocado for creaminess.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing for My Pasta Salad?
The dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together in your pasta salad. Start by mixing your mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (or sour cream) in a bowl until smooth. This helps the dressing stay creamy and prevents clumps. I recommend adding the apple cider vinegar slowly; it brightens up the flavors.
- Measure out your mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in a bowl.
- Whisk in the apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper?
- Taste the dressing! If it needs more tang, add more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
This dressing can also be made a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before adding it to your salad. Enjoy your creamy pasta salad!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (tricolor preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, cut into strips
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an extra 30 minutes of chill time in the fridge. You’ll cook and mix everything quickly, then just let the flavors blend while it chills. Perfect for a delicious, easy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set it aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, sliced black olives, salami or pepperoni strips, cubed mozzarella cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Gently toss everything together so it’s evenly mixed.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and all ingredients are well blended.
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until it’s all nicely coated. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors come together beautifully.
5. Serve:
After chilling, grab the pasta salad from the fridge. Give it a gentle stir and serve it chilled. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of flavor if you like. Enjoy your delicious, creamy pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat rotini is a great alternative that adds more fiber. Just be mindful that whole wheat pasta can cook a bit faster, so check it a minute or two earlier than the package suggests to avoid overcooking.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced bell peppers in different colors, shredded carrots, or even corn for sweetness. Just make sure to chop everything into similar-sized pieces to ensure even flavor distribution.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend as it sits! If it thickens up too much, you can add a splash of milk or a bit more yogurt to loosen it up before serving.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the salami or pepperoni with roasted chickpeas or simply omit them. Use vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt in place of the regular mayo and Greek yogurt. This will keep the creamy texture while adhering to a vegan diet!
