This Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a picnic or a quick dinner side!
You can whip it up in no time. I love adding extra olives because, let’s face it, who can resist them? 😂 It’s a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This pasta adds color and fun to the salad. If you can’t find it, regular rotini or even penne works just fine!
Black olives: I love the briny taste they bring. If you’re not a fan, feel free to swap in green olives or even diced pickles for a zing!
Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, it brightens up the dish. You can replace it with other peppers or even chopped cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella balls are delightful here. If you’re in a pinch, shredded mozzarella or even feta can add a tasty twist!
Salami: It adds a savory touch. If you need a lighter option, cooked chicken or turkey works great as a substitute.
Fresh herbs: Basil and parsley give this dish a fresh taste. You could swap in dill or even arugula for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Make My Pasta Salad Extra Creamy?
The creaminess comes from the mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream. To enhance this texture make sure to mix them until they’re smooth before adding. Here’s how:
- Whisk mayonnaise and sour cream until fully blended.
- Incorporate vinegar and seasonings while whisking to maintain creaminess.
- Mix the dressing with cooled pasta thoroughly; this ensures every twist and turn of the pasta is coated.
Remember, chilling the salad lets the flavors meld and enhances the creaminess, too! So, be patient and let it chill for a bit! Enjoy!
Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or small mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup salami, cut into strips or small pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a chill time of at least 1 hour. Perfect for a quick dish to make ahead of your gathering!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix the Dressing:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious dressing that brings everything together!
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Now it’s time to add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Stir well to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in that lovely creamy mixture.
4. Add the Goodies:
Next, fold in the sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, cubed mozzarella cheese, and salami pieces. Be gentle to keep the pasta from breaking apart.
5. Toss in Fresh Herbs:
Gently toss in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Save a bit of the herbs for garnish later! Taste your salad and feel free to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour to chill. This is important—it lets all those yummy flavors meld together! Just before serving, take it out, give it a gentle toss, and sprinkle with the reserved herbs and a bit of black pepper for that finishing touch.
Enjoy your Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad as a delightful side dish at your next summer BBQ or picnic!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can use any gluten-free pasta that you like, such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can vary.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
You can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. There are many great brands that offer plant-based mayonnaise and dairy-free sour cream.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a little more dressing before serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or cucumbers. Just make sure to chop them into bite-size pieces to keep the salad easy to eat!
