This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a fun dish full of colorful veggies and tasty pasta, all mixed with a smooth dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches!
Who doesn’t love a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes? I often make extra for leftovers—this pasta gets even better as it sits in the fridge. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This fun, spiraled pasta adds color and texture. You can replace it with any small pasta like elbow macaroni or penne if you prefer.
Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the salad. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo works great too!
Sour cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess. You can swap it with plain yogurt for a similar effect or use whipped cottage cheese for a protein boost.
Dijon mustard: It adds a nice zing. If Dijon isn’t available, yellow mustard can work, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Fresh basil: This gives a lovely herby twist. You could substitute with parsley or even spinach in a pinch. Dried herbs also work, but use less since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Is Creamy and Flavorful?
To keep your pasta salad creamy, make sure your dressing is well-blended. Start by whisking all the dressing ingredients until smooth before adding the pasta. This helps to coat the pasta evenly.
- After cooking and rinsing the pasta, shake off as much excess water as possible to prevent dilution of the dressing.
- Toss the pasta in the dressing while it’s still slightly warm. This helps the dressing absorb better.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop. If it seems dry afterward, mix in a splash of vinegar or a bit more mayo right before serving.
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)
- 4 oz sliced salami, cut into strips
- Optional: fresh cracked black pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, totaling around 45 minutes before you’re ready to dig in. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s great for gatherings or a simple meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add your tri-color rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain it well!
2. Making the Creamy Dressing:
In a large bowl, combo your mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This is the magic sauce that pulls the salad together!
3. Mixing it All Together:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Give it a good toss to make sure all the pasta gets coated evenly. Next, gently fold in the cubed mozzarella, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, chopped fresh basil, and sliced salami. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Seasoning and Chilling:
Give your salad a taste! You might want to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar to suit your taste buds. After seasoning, cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
5. Final Touches:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad another gentle toss. Plate it up and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a bit of extra basil if you like. And there you have it—your colorful, creamy pasta salad is ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy this delightful dish at your next picnic, BBQ, or as a quick meal! It’s fresh, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
FAQ About Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tri-color rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking since gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
How Long Will This Salad Last in the Refrigerator?
This pasta salad can last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the pasta may start to become soggy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Is There a Vegan Version of This Salad?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the salami. You can replace the salami with chickpeas or marinated tofu for added protein and texture!
