Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Creamy Pasta Salad! It’s the kind of dish that just screams “picnic perfection.” Picture this: a vibrant mix of pasta, crunchy veggies, and a dreamy creamy dressing that clings to every bite. I’ve made this salad for countless gatherings, and it never fails to impress. The refreshing flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family get-together. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! You’ll want to make a big batch because trust me, it disappears fast. My secret? Letting it chill in the fridge for a bit really helps all those delicious flavors meld together. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delightful dish!

Ingredients List

8 oz pasta (your favorite shape, like rotini or penne works best!)
1 cup mayonnaise (the creamy base that makes it rich)
1/2 cup sour cream (for that extra tangy flavor)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (adds a pop of color and sweetness)
1 cup cucumbers, diced (for a refreshing crunch)
1/2 cup red onion, chopped (a little zing to wake up the flavors)
1/4 cup parsley, chopped (for a fresh finish)
Salt to taste (don’t forget this key flavor enhancer!)
Pepper to taste (just a pinch adds a nice kick)

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. You want it cool before mixing everything together.
While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir them together until they’re nice and creamy.
Now, it’s time to add all those vibrant veggies! Toss in the cooled pasta along with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumbers, 1/2 cup of chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.
Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with that luscious dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Don’t hold back on this step—it really brings out the flavors!
Finally, cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for letting all those delicious flavors meld together. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time!
Perfect for gatherings and picnics: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit at parties and outdoor events.
Customizable with various vegetables: Feel free to toss in your favorites—bell peppers, carrots, or even olives!
Creamy and flavorful: The combination of mayo and sour cream creates a luscious dressing that’s simply irresistible.

Tips for Success

To make the Creamy Pasta Salad truly shine, here are my top tips! First, choose a pasta shape that holds the dressing well—think rotini or shells! This way, every bite is packed with flavor. When selecting vegetables, opt for fresh, crisp options for that crunch we all love. If you want a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of garlic powder to the dressing. And don’t skip the chilling time; it’s key for melding those flavors together beautifully. Finally, serve it up in a colorful bowl to make it extra inviting—your guests will love it!

Variations

There are so many fun ways to change up your Creamy Pasta Salad! For a colorful twist, try adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for an extra crunch. If you’re looking for a little zing, throw in some sliced black olives or diced jalapeños. Want to switch up the dressing? You can swap out half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option or even add a bit of ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. And don’t forget about the pasta! Whole grain or even gluten-free pasta works beautifully too. Get creative, and make it your own!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my Creamy Pasta Salad! This is an estimate, but here’s what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 300
Fat: 20g (with 3g saturated fat)
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keep in mind, these values can change based on the specific ingredients you choose, but this gives you a good ballpark for planning your delightful dish!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more if you make it a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What are the best vegetables to add?
You can really get creative here! I love adding bell peppers, sweet corn, or even peas for a pop of color and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!

How can I make it healthier?
If you want to lighten things up, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. You can also add in more veggies for extra fiber and nutrients, or opt for whole grain pasta for added whole grains.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! Any pasta shape you love will work, but I recommend using shapes that can hold onto the dressing, like fusilli or farfalle.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Creamy Pasta Salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect for meal prep or enjoying as a quick lunch. If you find it’s a little dry the next day, don’t worry! Just add a splash of mayonnaise or a dollop of sour cream to revive that creamy goodness. Now, as for reheating, I recommend enjoying it cold—there’s something so refreshing about a chilled pasta salad! So, skip the microwave and savor those flavors straight from the fridge!

Creamy Pasta Salad: 7 Irresistible Tips for Perfection

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad perfect for picnics.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumbers, diced
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream.
Add cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
Toss the salad until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Try adding your favorite vegetables.
Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
This salad can be made a day ahead.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Creamy Pasta Salad

Spread the love