This creamy pasta salad is a quick and tasty dish that everyone will love! It’s made with tender pasta mixed with fresh veggies and a rich dressing that ties it all together.
Perfect for summer picnics or a cozy dinner, I always find myself going back for seconds. Trust me, you’ll be the star at your next gathering with this salad! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color Rotini Pasta: The colorful rotini adds a fun twist! You can use any pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you’re avoiding gluten.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper gives a sweet crunch. If you prefer, you can swap it for yellow or orange bell peppers for a different flavor or even cherry tomatoes for added juiciness.
Cheese: Mozzarella is my favorite for its stretchy, creamy texture. If you can’t find it, try using diced cheddar or feta for a tangy taste.
Olives: Black olives add saltiness and depth. You can replace them with green olives or skip them altogether if olives aren’t your thing.
Meat: I often use pepperoni for a bit of spice. Salami works too! For a vegetarian version, you can simply leave it out or add chickpeas for protein.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a delicious creamy pasta salad lies in well-balanced ingredients and proper mixing. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Cook pasta until al dente; this keeps it firm and prevents mushiness.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
- Make the dressing with mayonnaise and sour cream; this combo gives the perfect creaminess!
- Be generous with herbs like basil and parsley, they elevate the flavor significantly.
- Mix everything evenly, but do so gently to keep the pasta from breaking.
- Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
A little taste test before serving can help you adjust the seasoning to your liking!
How to Make Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella pearls)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami strips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, and rinse it with cold water to cool. Set it aside to let the excess water drain off.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious dressing that makes your pasta salad creamy!
3. Combine the Pasta and Dressing:
Now that your pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing; make sure every piece is covered for that creamy goodness!
4. Add the Colorful Ingredients:
Next, fold in the diced red bell pepper, mozzarella cheese cubes, sliced black olives, pepperoni or salami strips, chopped basil, and parsley. Mix gently so the ingredients stay intact and don’t break apart.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This waiting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Before serving, stir the salad again and taste it; you might want to add a little more salt and pepper to suit your preference!
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta salad as a side dish or a main meal—it’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tri-color rotini adds a fun look, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the pepperoni or salami. You can add more vegetables like diced cucumbers or avocado, or include chickpeas for a protein boost!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise?
If you don’t have mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangy alternative. You could also try a vegan mayo or a combined mixture of sour cream and a bit more vinegar to maintain the creaminess.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some dressing may settle at the bottom.
